Readiness of Community Pharmacists to Play a Supportive and Advocacy Role in the Fight against Corona Virus Disease: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: As the coronavirus disease pandemic continues to put a strain on healthcare systems around the world, it is critical to assess whether every aspect of the healthcare system is prepared to respond. Purpose of the Study: The study investigated whether community pharmacists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are ready to play a supportive role in the fight against COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used in the study. A descriptive analysis was performed to determine the demographic characteristics of the sampled population, as well as frequency tables and graphs to determine community pharmacists' practise, readiness, attitudes, and awareness. In a one-way analysis of variance, the means of the subset of knowledge on COVID-19 aetiology, prognosis, and management, and the practise, attitudes were compared to see if the difference was significant in predicting preparedness to play a supportive role in the fight against COVID-19. Results: The practise of a community pharmacist as evidenced by adherence to the Ministry of Health's recommended guidelines for COVID-19 management and control. Approximately 74% always disinfected contact surfaces, and 69% performed basic temperature checks on employees and customers. Community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia had positive attitudes toward the fight against COVID-19 [m = 4.08, with a relatively narrow difference in percentage distribution between those who were unsure and those who claimed to be very satisfied (20 percent).]Community pharmacists in KSA demonstrated extensive knowledge of COVID-19, as all respondents (100%) were aware of the primary symptoms of COVID-19, 62 percent were aware of COVID-19 management strategies, and 81 percent believed information provided by the ministry was sufficient. A p value of 0.00 indicated that the results were significant enough to support the hypothesis that community pharmacists in KSA were willing to assist in the fight against COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that Saudi Arabian community pharmacists are ready to be integrated into COVID-19 pandemic planning and response.