Why we seek treatment here: retail pharmacy and clinical practice in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

This study based on interviews with 418 persons treated for various health problems at two retail pharmacies in Maiduguri, Nigeria, sought to know why the population uses the retail pharmacies as outpatient clinics. The most frequent reasons given by the respondents for their use is 'expeditious action in consultation and treatment'. This is followed by 'efficacy of treatment given' and 'convenience' (nearest source). There was no significant relationship between the reasons given and demographic background factors except age. The single most important advantage of retail pharmacy treatment over hospital treatment cited by respondents is 'expeditious treatment'. This is followed by 'availability of unadulterated drugs at all times'. The majority of respondents were in the habit of using retail pharmacies whenever they have illness episodes. Relatives and friends constituted the social network of significant influence over the decision to seek treatment at the particular retail pharmacy. The range of health problems reported for treatment was very wide with malaria as the most frequently reported. But the most frequent treatment given is antibiotic chemotherapy by injection or orally.