Managing Occupational Health Risks in Community Pharmacies in Imo State

Community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are occupationally exposed to chemical compounds, ergonomic stressors, and psychosocial pressures that are often overlooked in occupational health practice. This study assessed the occupational health risks and management practices in community pharmacies in Imo State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 65 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from registered community pharmacies in Owerri and Orlu using a structured questionnaire and an occupational health management checklist. Results showed that chemical exposure from cytotoxic drugs and antimicrobial agents was considered an unmanaged risk by 72.3 percent of respondents. Ergonomic strain from prolonged standing and dispensing postures was reported as a significant concern by 83.1 percent. Psychological stressors including long working hours, customer pressure, and inventory responsibilities were described as high or very high by 69.2 percent. Formal occupational health programs were absent in 90.8 percent of the pharmacies. Personal protective equipment specific to drug handling was used consistently by only 18.5 percent of participants. Awareness of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria occupational health guidance was low at 26.2 percent. The study recommends the development of community pharmacy-specific occupational health guidelines by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, mandatory occupational health orientation in pharmacy training programs, and periodic risk assessments for all registered community pharmacies in Imo State. Keywords: community pharmacy, occupational risks, chemical exposure, pharmacist health, Imo State.