PloS one
Client, health care provider, and policymaker perspectives on point-of-care/near-point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections in community pharmacies in Uganda
By Onzia AA, Twimukye A, Melendez JH and 5 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Point-of-care or near-point-of-care (POC/near-POC) tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are often unavailable and unaffordable in low-resource settings, despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation that such testing be offered, leading to empiric treatment. Private community pharmacies (CPs) are often the first point of contact for people with symptoms of STIs, where pharmacists dispense treatment without diagnostic testing or prescriptions. This study evaluated clients,' providers,' and policymakers' perspectives on POC/near-POC STI testing in community pharmacies for targeted management.
Methods
Between June and September 2022, we nested a qualitative study into a prospective cohort of clients seeking both STI and non-STI treatments in community pharmacies in Kampala and Wakiso districts in Uganda. They were tested for HIV, syphilis, trichomonas, chlamydia, and gonorrhea using POC/near-POC tests. A purposive sample of 50 participants consented to participate in in-depth and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo version 14 with an inductive approach, with results reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).