Abstract
Introduction: Substance abuse is more than a health problem; it is a formidable moral, social and economic challenge with pandemic dimensions. Palestine is not exception and it suffers of this problem, and the trend of use is increasing. Healthcare providers, primary care physicians, and pharmacists, as well as patients themselves and their families, all can play a role in identifying and preventing prescription drug abuse. Methodology: The study population included 205 of the public pharmacies in the Gaza Strip governorates. Data collection has been performed via interview questionnaire with the pharmacists working in the pharmacies. Study objectives: were oriented to identify and verify several variables and attributes affecting the existence of drug abuse including: study and analysis of the drug abuse situation in the Gaza Strip, knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacist. Results: The majority of pharmacists (90.2%) agree about existence of drug addiction as phenomenon in Gaza strip society and 32.2% of pharmacists believe that the physician, the pharmacist and the inspection department all of them share the responsibility towards drug abuse existence. Most of pharmacists believe that the increased anxiety and tension in the community is the most reason for this demand increase. About (50.2%) of pharmacists don’t believe that their colleagues dispense any of the controlled drugs without a doctor’s prescription. About (89.8%) of pharmacists are convinced of the need to a medical prescription to dispense any of the drugs listed in all cases, and of these 89.8% there are (84.8%) of pharmacists who don’t dispense any of these drugs to a person they doubt even if this person has a medical prescription, so the study show no significant relationship. Conclusion: the study showed that drug abuse is an existing phenomenon in the Gaza Strip lacking the suitable care and attention to reduce its spread and impact on society. There are similarities between female and male pharmacists in the Gaza Strip in knowledge but differences in practice and attitude. Recommendation: The physicians, pharmacists and inspection department, should assume their responsibilities towards drug abuse as being a shared responsibility to control the future of the entire community.
Highlights
IntroductionHealthcare providers, primary care physicians, and pharmacists, as well as patients themselves and their families, all can play a role in identifying and preventing prescription drug abuse
The majority of pharmacists (90.2%) agree about existence of drug addiction as phenomenon in Gaza strip society and 32.2% of pharmacists believe that the physician, the pharmacist and the inspection department all of them share the responsibility towards drug abuse existence
Substance abuse is more than a health problem; it is a formidable moral, social and economic challenge with pandemic dimensions
Summary
Healthcare providers, primary care physicians, and pharmacists, as well as patients themselves and their families, all can play a role in identifying and preventing prescription drug abuse. Substance abuse is more than a health problem; it is a formidable moral, social and economic challenge with pandemic dimensions. The question we need to face and find an answer for is the following: Why, in spite of all efforts the issues related to substance abuse continue to increase in seriousness” (WHO report, 2004) [1]. Healthcare team, primary care physicians, and pharmacists, as well as patients themselves, all can play roles in identification and prevention of prescription drug abuse. Physician and patient has a role in the drug abuse problem, Preventing or stopping prescription drug abuse is an important part of patient care. Healthcare providers should not avoid prescribing or administering stimulants, CNS depressants, or opioid pain relievers if needed
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