Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Operating Room, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Student Research Committee, faculty of nursing and midwifery of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad, Iran
3 Biostatistics Department, Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objective: Average medication consumption in Iran exceeds the global average, and self-medication is prevalent among the elderly due to the presence of chronic diseases. Given the vital role pharmacies play in the healthcare chain for the elderly, this study aimed to evaluate pharmacies in Mashhad based on age-friendly city indicators.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in community pharmacies in Mashhad in 2023. A convenience sampling method was applied. Data were collected using a standardized checklist adapted from validated sources (Bastani et al., 2017), covering four domains: physical environment, care services, pharmaceutical supply, and emotional support. To reduce self-report bias, all assessments were completed through independent on-site observations by trained external evaluators. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, applying Fisher’s exact test and the Mann–Whitney U test.
Results: A total of 101 pharmacies were assessed, including 9 public and 92 private pharmacies. Most pharmacies were classified as having a moderate level of compliance with age-friendly standards (private: 53.26%, public: 66.67%). No significant association was found between ownership type and overall score (P > 0.05). However, public pharmacies scored significantly higher in the physical domain (P = 0.040).
Conclusion: Implementing age-friendly pharmacy standards requires more than physical modifications and calls for systemic reforms in pharmaceutical services, targeted workforce training, and stronger health insurance and policy support.
Keywords
- Community Pharmacy Services
- Aged
- Health Services for the Aged
- Pharmacies
- Pharmaceutical Services
- Age-Friendly Pharmacy
Main Subjects
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