Journal of Public Health and Pharmacy
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026)

Qualitative Study of the Role and Practice of Pharmaceutical Services Focusing on Stunting by Community Pharmacists in Indonesia

Firdawati Amir Parumpu (School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia. Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Tadulako, Palu, Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia)
Pratiwi Wikaningtyas (School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia)
Satibi Satibi (Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Septi Muharni (Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Community, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Farmasi Riau, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia)
Ananda Putri Purwanto (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Tadulako, Palu, Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia)
Kusnandar Anggadiredja (School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2026

Abstract

Introduction: The peak of Indonesia's demographic bonus period is estimated to be in 2035, requiring government efforts in an integrated stunting prevention program to minimize risks. Cross-sector and cross-profession collaboration in the health field is needed to support optimal stunting services through the role and practice of pharmacists in community pharmacy facilities. This study aims to explore two topics: the role of community pharmacists and the practice of pharmaceutical service in stunting prevention programs in Indonesia. Methods: A pragmatic qualitative-descriptive study, using structured interview techniques with a Standardized Open-Ended Interview (SOEI). Nine community pharmacists were recruited using purposive sampling through interview consent. The data obtained from the interviews consisted of video and audio recordings that were transcribed, and then thematically analyzed. Results: The findings of this study are mapped into two main domains. The roles are identified as 1) The role of pharmacists in stunting prevention education through educational services, 2) in cross-sector collaboration among healthcare workers to prevent stunting in the community, and 3) in pharmaceutical services specifically for stunting prevention, which reflects practices in community pharmacy facilities in providing 4) basic education and counseling services related to stunting, 5) pharmaceutical product services for stunting needs, 6) promotive and preventive services in the stunting program, and 7) curative and referral services in the stunting program. Conclusion: These findings indicate a high level of awareness and professional competence among community pharmacists, and practices in the field show involvement and collaboration that can be integrated into Indonesia's health policy system in the future.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jphp

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Journal of Public Health and Pharmacy is an national, peer-reviewed journal. It publishes original papers, reviews and short reports on all aspects of the science, philosophy, and practice of public health. It is aimed at all public health practitioners and researchers and those who manage and ...