Ema P. Yunita, Abdul Rahem, Novanto Yudistira, Made K. A. Jaya, Suharjono
Common cold and influenza are viral respiratory infections that may lead to complications in vulnerable populations and are commonly managed through self-medication. Community pharmacists play a key role in ensuring safe and appropriate use of over-the-counter medicines. This study aimed to explore community pharmacists’ experiences in providing self-medication consultations for these conditions. An interpretive phenomenological design was employed using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with practicing pharmacists in community pharmacies. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively, with themes interpreted using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behaviour (COM-B) framework. The findings revealed that pharmacists contributed to safe self-medication through patient-centered communication, tailored recommendations, and safety-oriented practices, particularly for high-risk groups. However, variations in assessment, recommendation accuracy, and information provision indicated gaps in clinical reasoning and access to reliable resources. Themes related to the use of herbal and natural products, as well as emerging perspectives on artificial intelligence, also reflected the evolving scope of pharmacy practice. Strengthening pharmacists’ competencies and integrating decision-support tools may enhance consultation quality, promote rational medicine use, and improve patient safety. These findings highlight the need for structured, pharmacist-centered interventions to support responsible self-medication in community settings. © Yunita et al.
Doctoral Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Innovative Pharmacy Practice and Integrated Outcome Research (INACORE) Group, Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Department of Informatics, Faculty of Computer Science Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Science Universitas Udayana, Bali, Badung, 80361, Indonesia
