Profiling of antimicrobial dispensing practices in accredited drug dispensing outlets in Tanzania: a mixed-method cross-sectional study focusing on pediatric patients

Background The emergency of antimicrobial resistance due to irrational antimicrobial use has put public health under threat. Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlets (ADDOs) play an important role in enhancing availability and accessibility of antimicrobials, however, there is a scarcity of studies assessing antimicrobial dispensing practices in these outlets, focusing on children in Tanzania. Objective This study was conducted to assess the antimicrobial dispensing practices among ADDO dispensers and explore the factors influencing the use of antimicrobials for children in Tanzania. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study utilizing both qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (simulated clients) methods was conducted between June and September 2020 in seven zones and 14 regions in Tanzania. Results The study found inappropriate dispensing and use of antimicrobials for children, influenced by multiple factors such as patient’s and dispenser’s knowledge and attitude, financial constraints, and product-related factors. Only 8% (62/773) of dispensers asked for prescriptions, while the majority (90%) were willing to dispense without prescriptions. Most dispensers, 83% (426/513), supplied incomplete doses of antimicrobials and only 60.5% (345/570) of the dispensers gave proper instructions for antimicrobial use to clients. Over 75% of ADDO dispensers displayed poor practice in taking patient history. Conclusion ADDO dispensers demonstrated poor practices in dispensing and promoting rational antimicrobial use for children. Training, support, and regulatory interventions are required to improve antimicrobial dispensing practices in community drug outlets.