Experience and Perception of Immigrants on Drug Use and Services of Pharmacists

Abstract

Pharmacy utilization among immigrants in Korea is increasing amid the rapidly rising number of immigrants living in the country. However, few studies have investigated immigrants’ pharmacy utilization. This qualitative study used group interviews to explore immigrants’ experiences and perceptions of drug use and pharmacist services in Korea. The study participants consisted of 30 immigrants who had lived in Incheon and Gyeonggi for at least one year and had used pharmacies. The analysis results are grouped under three themes: “Reasons for visiting and selecting a pharmacy,” “Experience and perception of pharmacy and pharmacists’ services,” and “Experience and perception of taking medicine.” Our study shows that immigrants in Korea face language barriers when visiting pharmacies and struggle with Korea’s prescription-dispensing systems, forcing them to rely on their home country communities. However, immigrants who build a relationship of trust with a certain pharmacy tend to visit it regularly. Therefore, Korean pharmacists must strive to build good relationships with immigrants in order to help them adapt to Korea’s healthcare system.