# Jamaican Community Pharmacists-Determined Barriers to Availability of Smoking Cessation Aids

## TL;DR

This study explores why smoking cessation aids are not widely available in Jamaica and finds that cost and lack of knowledge are major barriers.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific barriers faced by Jamaican pharmacists in stocking smoking cessation aids and highlights willingness to improve availability.

## Key findings

- 87.7% of pharmacies do not stock smoking cessation aids.
- Pharmacists cite cost (42%) and lack of knowledge (27.3%) as main barriers.
- Most pharmacists (86%) are willing to stock cessation aids if barriers are addressed.

## Abstract

Objectives: To determine the willingness of Jamaican pharmacists to stock and dispense smoking cessation aids and determine barriers to selling products. Design: A descriptive study that utilized pharmacist-completed surveys. The participants received a sectionalized survey and a structured questionnaire tool. Data collection took place over six weeks. Setting: Pharmacists practicing in pharmacies registered by the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica (PCJ) Participants: A total of fifty-seven registered community pharmacists. Results: Most pharmacies (87.7%) do not stock smoking cessation aids. The most identifiable products were nicotine patches/nicotine gum. Pharmacists’ barriers to selling were cost (42%), lack of knowledge of the process of obtaining cessation aids (27.3%), and low demand from patients/clients (22.7%). Most pharmacists (86%) were willing to stock cessation aids. Of the total product requests, 61.2% were lodged by persons 26–50 years old. The stocking of products was not independent of location (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The barriers to the availability of smoking cessation aids, once adequately addressed, could positively enhance the achievement of smoking cessation practices.