Knowledge Of Pharmacy Students Research Articles

PHARMACY STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES ABOUT PROBIOTICS

Objective: Probiotics are an important and fast-growing functional food group. Pharmacy students, as pharmacists of the future, need to have sufficient knowledge on this subject. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about probiotics. Material and Method: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among students of Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Pharmacy in Türkiye between 9 October and 30 October 2023. The paper-based questionnaires consisted of 23 questions and were administered for approximately 10-15 minutes. Result and Discussion: The questionnaires were answered by 347 (74.7%) students. The mean±SD of the knowledge score was 5.14±1.53. The majority of respondents (79%) correctly identified probiotics. Approximately half of the participants knew the type of bacteria used in probiotic production The mean±SD of the attitude score was 11.13±1.44. Most respondents (91.9%) believed that probiotic consumption was beneficial for health. The mean±SD of the practice score was 3.72±2.77. 45.2% of respondents stated that they had used probiotic supplements before and 31.1% stated that they had sought additional information about probiotics from various sources. 40.6% of the respondents stated that they recommend probiotics to their family/close relatives. This study showed that although the attitudes of pharmacy students were acceptable, they had some knowledge deficiencies and their practices were poor. To increase the knowledge and practices of pharmacy students about probiotics, this subject should be given more space in undergraduate education and relevant scientific events should be organized.

Stretch marks: Efficacy of herbal remedies (Cocoa and shea butter, vitamin E, calendula oils) and student survey

The study sought to assess the efficacy of herbal remedies for treating stretch marks by conducting a comprehensive literature review and administering a survey to gauge the knowledge and opinions of pharmacy students. This initiative aimed to bridge existing gaps in understanding and perceptions surrounding stretch marks and available treatment modalities. The survey was conducted among 40 first-year pharmacy students and comprised two sets of questions and demographic data: knowledge-based and opinion-based. Descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-square tests were performed using SPSS software were conducted to determine statistical significance. Among the participants, 75% were female with 90% of them within the age range of 18 to 30 years. The knowledge-based survey revealed a solid understanding of aspects related to stretch marks among participants. Almost all (97%) of respondents correctly identified that stretch marks usually appear on the skin due to rapid weight changes. Eighty percent correctly acknowledged stretch marks as a type of scar, while two-thirds answered affirmatively regarding their potential to cause irritation and itching. Misconceptions were identified, such as respondents incorrectly believing that stretch marks are exclusively formed through pregnancy. In the opinion-based survey, participants expressed varying viewpoints on stretch marks and herbal treatments. Statistical analysis revealed several significant correlations between demographic factors and participants' understanding of stretch marks. The survey findings provide valuable insights into stretch mark management and students' perceptions of herbal remedies. Overall, the study underscores the significance of further research and targeted educational initiatives in dermatological conditions like stretch marks.

Albuterol off-label use in the management of hyperkalemia and students survey

This study aimed to explore the evidence in the off-label use of albuterol in the acute management of hyperkalemia. It also aims to explore the knowledge and opinion of first-year pharmacy students related to this topic. Based on the literature survey, it shows a lack of awareness among first-year pharmacy students regarding albuterol, hyperkalemia, and the use of albuterol for hyperkalemia. Demographic factors, such as income and years of work experience, were shown to influence students' understanding of the topic. Regarding the survey, a total of forty participants completed an online survey, providing information on demographic factors such as age, gender, residency state, employment status, income, education, and work experience. Results revealed a predominantly female and younger student population, with diverse geographic representation and varied employment and income levels. Most participants selected the wrong answer to questions related to albuterol and hyperkalemia, suggesting potential knowledge gaps in this area. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance student understanding and clinical decision-making skills in pharmacotherapy-related concepts. Further research could evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions in improving student knowledge and patient care outcomes.

E-cigarette knowledge of undergraduate pharmacy students

Abstract Introduction The use of e-cigarettes (known as vaping) is creating public health opportunities and challenges. E-cigarettes are effective as a smoking cessation tool. However, they are not without risk. E-cigarettes are relevant to pharmacists as they can provide advice about smoking cessation and they are well placed to provide more generic support and information about e-cigarettes, including side effects. Notifications about any issues with e-cigarettes can be done through the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card Scheme. Vaping products can be considered as licensed, but not yet prescribed within the UK National Health Service (NHS). There are benefits in pharmacists being knowledgeable about the legal and regulatory status of e-cigarettes. It is currently unclear whether pharmacy students are knowledgeable about e-cigarettes and their role in smoking cessation. It is also unclear whether they are aware of the relevance to the Yellow Card scheme. Aim To examine e-cigarette knowledge of undergraduate pharmacy students studying at a large university in the northwest of England, some of which may be concurrently working within retail pharmacy. Methods A link to an online quantitative survey was distributed to all students (approximately 500) studying on the four-year undergraduate pharmacy (MPharm) programme by the programme leader. This was done by email in April 2023. The research was carried out as part of a public health student’s dissertation with a questionnaire designed and piloted by the student. Results were mainly descriptive and χ2 tests were carried out using SPSS where appropriate. Results A convenience sample of 55 students (approximately 10%) was achieved. Just over half the respondents stated they did not know if e-cigarettes were available on prescription or from the NHS. Only 12% of respondents knew that e-cigarettes were regulated for safety and quality in the UK, with 50% of all respondents stating that they were not. Just over half (58%, n=32) did not know whether medically licensed e-cigarettes were available. Less than 10% of all respondents (n=5) were aware that e-cigarettes users can report via Yellow Card Scheme if suspecting a side effect from using e-cigarettes. Interestingly, 46% of those currently working in retail pharmacy (n=11) wrongly stated “no” when asked about the Yellow Card Scheme. This compared to 19% (n=6) of those not currently working in retail settings (χ2=4.44, df=1, p=0.035), indicating that those with current retail experience were less knowledgeable about the Yellow Card Scheme in relation to e-cigarettes. All respondents agreed that pharmacists should be providing health-related advice on vaping to their clients/patients. Conclusion There may be merit in including relevant material on e-cigarettes, including the licensing and Yellow Card scheme, along with more general information on the benefits of switching from cigarettes to vaping and the need to stop vaping, within undergraduate programmes. A strength of this study was that it was one of the first that looked at knowledge of the Yellow Card scheme among pharmacy students, but a main weakness was that it was a small, self-selecting sample of students.

Pharmacy Students’ Over-the-counter Recommendations for Primary Dysmenorrhea and Childhood Fever Cases in an Indonesian University

Background: The quality of pharmacy education is stated in the literature to be one of the factors influencing the quality of self-medication services in pharmacies. However, research describing the ability of pharmacy students to handle self-medication cases is limited.Objectives: This study aims to describe pharmacy students’ recommendations for two vignette cases involving analgesic-antipyretics (i.e., primary dysmenorrhea and childhood fever cases) in an Indonesian university and to identify factors related to the appropriateness of their recommendations.Methods: Apothecary students were asked to provide recommendations and their reasoning for primary dysmenorrhea and childhood fever cases using a structured telephone interview.Results: Of the 86 participants, appropriate recommendations were provided by 86% and 78% for a case of primary dysmenorrhea and for childhood fever respectively. One-quarter of students did not identify referral criteria in the case of childhood fever and thus made inappropriate recommendations. Age and study period were factors significantly related to providing appropriate recommendations, in which students who were younger and completed their study program within 5 to 6 years were significantly able to provide appropriate recommendations compared to students who were older and whose study period exceeded 6 years.Conclusion: A considerable number of apothecary students in an Indonesian university were able to properly manage cases related to analgesic-antipyretic recommendations. Further qualitative research is needed to identify factors underlying the knowledge of Indonesian pharmacy students in identifying major and minor patient presentations.

Knowledge, attitude and practice among pharmacy students and faculty members towards artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice: A multinational cross-sectional study.

Modern patient care depends on the continuous improvement of community and clinical pharmacy services, and artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to play a key role in this evolution. Although AI has been increasingly implemented in various fields of pharmacy, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pharmacy students and faculty members towards this technology. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the KAP of pharmacy students and faculty members regarding AI in six countries in the Middle East as well as to identify the predictive factors behind the understanding of the principles and practical applications of AI in healthcare processes. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A total of 875 pharmacy students and faculty members in the faculty of pharmacy in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Libya participated in the study. Data was collected through an online electronic questionnaire. The data collected included information about socio-demographics, understanding of AI basic principles, participants' attitudes toward AI, the participants' AI practices. Most participants (92.6%) reported having heard of AI technology in their practice, but only a small proportion (39.5%) had a good understanding of its concepts. The overall level of knowledge about AI among the study participants was moderate, with the mean knowledge score being 42.3 ± 21.8 out of 100 and students having a significantly higher knowledge score than faculty members. The attitude towards AI among pharmacy students and faculty members was positive, but there were still concerns about the impact of AI on job security and patient safety. Pharmacy students and faculty members had limited experience using AI tools in their practice. The majority of respondents (96.2%) believed that AI could improve patient care and pharmacy services. However, only a minority (18.6%) reported having received education or training on AI technology. High income, a strong educational level and background, and previous experience with technologies were predictors of KAP toward using AI in pharmacy practice. Finally, there was a positive correlation between knowledge about AI and attitudes towards AI as well as a significant positive correlation between AI knowledge and overall KAP scores. The findings suggest that while there is a growing awareness of AI technology among pharmacy professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, there are still significant gaps in understanding and adopting AI in pharmacy Practice.

Knowledge of community pharmacists on infantile haemangioma: Gaps and lack confidence to deliver propranolol still need to be filled.

To evaluate the knowledge, practices and self-confidence of community pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students about infantile haemangioma (IH) and propranolol treatment. A national survey was conducted in France from May 2022 to October 2022. A 42-item online questionnaire was used to assess pharmacists' knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical features and management of IH and propranolol treatment. The survey included 255 participants. The mean age was 34.9 years (±9.0); 225 (88%) were women. In all, 193 (76%) practised in urban pharmacies. Altogether, 83 participants (33%) had delivered oral propranolol solution for IH in the last 6 months. Participants' median score for self-confidence regarding propranolol dispensing was five (interquartile range, 2.5-6) on a scale of 1 to 10. Overall, 96 (38%) had more than 50% correct answers on the questionnaire. Multinomial regression models showed high scores on the questionnaire associated with high self-confidence when delivering oral propranolol solution, low number of years since graduation and having already delivered propranolol treatment. This study highlights a lack of knowledge of IH and modalities of propranolol treatment by community pharmacists and slight self-confidence when delivering propranolol. Greater cooperation between healthcare professionals could improve the proper use of medicine.

Telepharmacy knowledge, attitude, and experience among pharmacy students in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

Background: The advancement of technology in healthcare services has given rise to telepharmacy. The success of telepharmacy depends on the knowledge, attitude, and experience of pharmacy students. However, telepharmacy is relatively new in the Indonesian pharmacy education system. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire to evaluate pharmacy students' knowledge, attitude, and experience related to telepharmacy. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 442 pharmacy students. Among them, 97.96% demonstrated a high level of knowledge about telepharmacy, and 96.60% had a positive attitude toward it. However, 85.97% of students had limited experience with telepharmacy. While there was a significant correlation between knowledge and attitude, no such correlation was observed between attitude and experience. Conclusion: The findings revealed that pharmacy students had high knowledge and attitude, but limited experience with telepharmacy. Additionally, there is a significant correlation between knowledge of telepharmacy and a positive attitude towards its use. To better prepare future pharmacists to provide effective telepharmacy services, it is essential to integrate telepharmacy practice models into the curriculum.

Awareness and knowledge of Pharmacoeconomics among pharmacist and pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia

Background: Pharmacoeconomics is a field that deals with health economics and focuses on the medication\'s cost and outcome. Currently, Pharmacoeconomics became an important field of research. Pharmacoeconomics can be taught through various methods. However, it seems that Pharmacoeconomics in Saudi Arabia is underestimated due to lack of studies conducted on this subject in Saudi Arabia. Objective: To evaluate the awareness and knowledge of pharmacists and pharmacy students regarding pharmaco-economics in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was cross-sectional questionnaire based study that was conducted from July 2020 to August 2020. The study was conducted among pharmacists and pharmacy students. The study was done through an online questionnaire that included questions on demographics, awareness and knowledge. SPSS program was used to analyze the collected data. Results: This study included 205 participants. Among them, 85.9% reported involvement of Pharmacoeconomics in undergraduate course, whereas only 22% felt that what they learnt was enough to use in practice. The total knowledge was high among 34.1% of participants. There were several factors that affected the level of knowledge, including PhD (P=0.0001), regulatory field (P=0.048), short time devoted for the course as the cause of imperfection of learning(P=0.038), and being interested in taking more training (P=0.0001). Conclusion: There was low knowledge among pharmacists and pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia regarding Pharmacoeconomics that require more training.

Anti-wrinkle properties of rosehip oil, aloe vera, green tea extract, and frankincense essential oil: Brief review and a survey

The knowledge and opinions of first-year pharmacy students were evaluated after conducting a survey. The survey included 5 knowledge-based and 5 opinion-based questions, focusing on four herbal remedies. The data collected from 28 participants were analyzed for correctness of answers and agreement or disagreement to opinion lead statements. The knowledge-based questions showed an average 74.5% correct answer rate, with the question on Rosehip Oil receiving the highest (about 93%) followed by the Green Tea Extract at 89.3%. Opinion-based questions revealed a positive attitude towards herbal remedies, with over 82% strongly agreeing or somewhat agreeing with their potential benefits. Over 92% of the respondents believed Green Tea Extract and Frankincense Essential Oil possess skin-protecting qualities. Participants had positive attitude towards herbal remedies for skincare. Knowledge-based questions had a satisfactory correct answer rate, and participants largely agreed (82.7%) on the potential of these herbal remedies to enhance skin health and reduce signs of aging. Disagreement was minimal, ranging from 0% to 17.2%, indicating a widespread inclination towards positive agreement. The survey results provide a valuable insight into the potential of herbal remedies in skincare. The knowledge level was satisfactory at 74.5%. Opinions towards Rosehip Oil, Aloe Vera, Green Tea Extract, and Frankincense Essential Oil were largely positive among the surveyed pharmacy students. Limitations of the survey include the small sample size and lack of diversity in the survey participants. Future research should address these limitations and explore additional factors influencing knowledge and opinions regarding herbal remedies for skincare.

Design and evaluation of a serious game for teaching nanotechnologies in pharmacy education

Introduction: A serious game was implemented and evaluated to consolidate the knowledge of third-year pharmacy students about drug vectorisation systems. Methods: After a lecture on nanotechnology in health, students were immersed in a magical world for the one-and-a-half-hour tutorial: to complete their mission, they had to pick the right cards and solve puzzles within a limited time. Then, in debriefing, all the key concepts were recalled and explained according to their metaphorical counterparts, i.e. the puzzles. Feedback from the beta-test in 2021 (n=112) helped to optimise the pitch, the game, the rules and the debriefing. A formative evaluation was performed in 2022 (n=140) investigating students’ perception immediately after the session and immediate knowledge retention using a pre-test/post-test evaluation. The results of the final assessment were considered indirect indicators of student involvement. Results: Although the game itself did not immediately improve the students’ knowledge retention, it really was a great tool to motivate and engage participants, which might explain a significant improvement in the final assessment. Conclusion: A serious game can be an interesting tool to teach pharmaceutical technology. To help colleagues wishing to revitalise their pharmacy interventions, a non-exhaustive list of ideas to consider before starting the game conception is provided.

Evaluation of a transgender health training program for pharmacists and pharmacy students in Australia: A pre-post study

BackgroundDisparities in healthcare for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are well-recognized, with pharmacists reporting a lack of knowledge impacting confidence in their interactions with TGD people. Therefore, a training program in TGD healthcare was designed to address this knowledge gap. ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the TGD healthcare training program on the awareness, knowledge, and behaviour of pharmacists and pharmacy students in Australia. MethodAn online training program was evaluated by pre-and post-test surveys, which assessed the knowledge and awareness of participants, and three-month post-training interviews, which examined the effect of training on pharmacists' practice when providing care to TGD people. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, content and thematic analysis. ResultFifty-six pharmacists and twenty-one pharmacy students completed the training and pre-and post-test surveys. Ten pharmacists were interviewed post-training. There was a significant improvement in the awareness (pharmacists, p ≤0.001; students, p = 0.006), knowledge (pharmacists and students, p ≤0.001) and total (pharmacists and students, p ≤0.001) post-test scores for both groups. Interviewed participants found the training program comprehensive and relevant to their practice. ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that educational interventions improve TGD healthcare awareness and knowledge for pharmacists and students with the potential to improve healthcare provision to TGD people and promote inclusivity in society.

A quantitative exploration of the knowledge of pharmacy and medical students about Pharmacogenetics: Findings from a public university in Malaysia

Background: Having a strong foundation in the science of pharmacogenetics is a significant prerequisite for both pharmacy and medical students to apply this knowledge in patient care once they enter into the healthcare setting. This study examines the level of foundational knowledge of pharmacogenetics and interest in learning about pharmacogenetics among third and fourth-year pharmacy and final-year medical students of the University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) in Malaysia. Method: A total of 95 students participated in the study. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire from a previously published research paper. It was an electronic-based survey shared among the targeted population. Results: The average knowledge score for pharmacy students was 15.58 (SD ± 0.49) while final-year medical students had an average score of 14.56 (SD ± 0.32). A major percentage of the fourth-year pharmacy students were able to obtain scores higher than their junior counterparts and final-year medical students. Although the overall average knowledge score of the medical students was lower than that of the pharmacy students, nevertheless, they had a greater interest in learning about pharmacogenetics. Conclusion: There is a need to introduce up-to-date curricula for both pharmacy and medical students to enhance student comfort levels in pharmacogenetics practice.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Scabies Among Pharmacy Students

Scabies is a skin condition caused by infestation with the Sarcoptes scabies mite. This condition is highly contagious and easily spreads through close physical contact. Scabies affects individuals of all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses. Typically, symptoms of scabies appear two to six weeks after infestation. The most common symptom is itching, which tends to worsen at night. This itching is usually accompanied by a rash that presents as raised, red, scaly spots, and in some cases, blisters.From the collected responses, it was observed that the students displayed a degree of uncertainty regarding the treatment of the disease. In light of this, the study suggests that additional continuous medical education activities could be beneficial. Organizing camps in hostels, conferences, and field visits are proposed as effective methods to enhance the understanding and knowledgeofpharmacystudents in managing scabies cases. This is an online cross-sectional study. The study was conducted over a six-month period. A comprehensive questionnaire-based review was conducted and the data were coded and recorded in an MS Excel spreadsheet to facilitate data analysis. The results of the study indicate that the knowledge, attitude, and practices of pharmacy students regarding scabies were generally good.

Knowledge and attitudes of pharmacy students towards artificial intelligence and the ChatGPT

Background: This study examined pharmacy students' knowledge and attitudes to artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. Methods: A survey was conducted with 258 fourth-year pharmacy students at Kitasato University, Japan, assessing their AI knowledge, ChatGPT impressions, and literacy regarding its appropriate use. Data were analysed descriptively, and participants were divided into two groups based on ChatGPT awareness for further analysis. Results: A total of 113 students (43.7%) participated, with 19.5% having prior ChatGPT experience, 4.4% were unaware, and 42.5% could describe it. General AI terms like "machine learning" were more familiar (83.2%) than specific ones like "natural language processing" (2.6%). Positive impressions of ChatGPT included 65.5% finding it efficient and 50.4% mentioning enhanced comprehension. However, only 3.5% correctly identified all inappropriate purposes, and 24.8% selected all precautions for its use. The 48 participants (42.5%) who described ChatGPT and had higher AI knowledge showed more correct answers than the other group (65 participants, 57.5%). Conclusion: Students with AI knowledge and the ability to describe ChatGPT demonstrated a better understanding of its appropriate usage. Educating students on AI fundamentals helps them utilise AI tools like ChatGPT effectively. This study offers valuable insights on ChatGPT among pharmacy students, with implications for responsible AI usage and education.

Knowledge and perception of pharmacovigilance among pharmacy students and pharmacy professional students

Background: Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) contributes to high morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. This can be minimised through pharmacovigilance. It is important to evaluate the level of knowledge and perception of pharmacovigilance among pharmacy students. Objective: To describe the level of knowledge and perceptions of final-year pharmacy students and students of pharmacy professional programs in Yogyakarta regarding pharmacovigilance. Method: A cross-sectional study involved 437 pharmacy students from five different universities in Yogyakarta, who were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were analysed to describe the characteristics of the respondents and their level of knowledge and perceptions about pharmacovigilance. Result: The majority of final year students in pharmacy and pharmacy professional programs had acquired a high level of knowledge about pharmacovigilance with a percentage of 54.0%. They also shared a positive perception of the implementation of pharmacovigilance with a percentage of 55.6%. Conclusion: Final-year pharmacy students and students of the pharmacy professional program have good knowledge and perceptions towards pharmacovigilance.

Knowledge and perceptions of French community pharmacists and pharmacy students about the papillomavirus vaccine

IntroductionIn a French context of low vaccination coverage for human papillomavirus (HPV) disease, we conducted a study on pharmacy students and community pharmacists to assess their self-reported knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination and their perceptions of vaccination. Material and methodsA prospective volunteered-based study was conducted in the French Franche-Comté region based on a questionnaire targeting pharmacy students (from the 2nd to 6th years) and community pharmacists. ResultsAll in all, 220 students and 55 pharmacists completed a questionnaire. Fewer than a third knew which HPV genotypes are considered to be high-risk (p-value = 0.11) and were aware of the diversified nature of HPV-induced cancers (p-value = 0.02). Their overall level of general knowledge about vaccination was estimated to be good by 62% of students and 85% of pharmacists (p-value = 10−3). More than 75% of students and pharmacists considered that HPV vaccination has a positive benefit-risk balance (p-value = 0.44) but that its low coverage is due to non-confirmed adverse events that were suggested in the past (p-value = 0.60). Pharmacists had a better perception of the safety of HPV vaccination (84% versus 64%, p-value = 6·10−3). More than 50% of students and pharmacists agreed with mandatory HPV vaccination for girls and boys (11–14 years). ConclusionThis study allowed us to assess the knowledge of students and community pharmacists and their more or less favorable perceptions of HPV vaccination. It helped us to suggest their needs in terms of practical training. Future changes should include pharmacists in the implementation of public health policies and to improve vaccination coverage.

Student-created vignettes to enhance pharmacy student knowledge and skill in managing patients with neuropsychiatric disease

Student-created vignettes to enhance pharmacy student knowledge and skill in managing patients with neuropsychiatric disease

Knowledge and attitudes of Nigerian final-year pharmacy students towards genital warts and practice regarding human papillomavirus vaccine: A cross-sectional study

Background: Genital warts are clinical presentations of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The study evaluated the knowledge and attitudes of Nigerian final year pharmacy students towards genital warts and practice regarding the HPV vaccine. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from February 2022 to April 2022 with a 31-item structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Version 25.0. Pearson’s Chi-Square was used to test the association between variables. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. Results: The study enrolled 620 respondents from 15 universities in Nigeria. Overall, slightly above half of the respondents had good knowledge of genital warts (n=344, 55.5%). More than half of them had favourable attitudes towards genital warts (n=422, 68.1%). Few respondents reported that they had been vaccinated against genital warts (n=12, 1.9%). Conclusion: The study revealed that final year pharmacy students in Nigeria showed good knowledge and favourable attitudes towards genital warts and human HPV prevention, which did not translate into good practice. It highlights the need for interventions that would promote good practices towards genital warts prevention.

Assessment of pharmacy students’ awareness and knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines in Jordan: A cross-sectional study at private universities

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global effort in developing vaccines to combat the virus. While several COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized and distributed internationally, there is a lack of research on the knowledge and perceptions of pharmacy students regarding these vaccines in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacy students at a private university in Jordan from July 28 to August 5, 2022. A Google survey consisting of 12 questions was administered to 200 respondents. Results: The survey aimed to assess pharmacy students’ understanding of COVID-19 clinical characteristics, transmission routes, precautionary measures, hazard control, and knowledge of the different types of COVID-19 vaccines available in Jordan. Literature review indicated that students primarily obtained information from social media (80%), written articles (20%), and television (10%). The overall score for students’ awareness of COVID-19 and its vaccines was 85%. The majority of students (82%) demonstrated a high level of knowledge and awareness of the pandemic. However, their understanding of hypercoagulation as an adverse event of COVID-19 vaccination and mask-wearing practices in various settings was limited. Most students believed that effective immunization strategies could eradicate the virus. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that pharmacy students possess a good understanding of COVID-19 and its vaccines. To enhance infection prevention among future pharmacists, measures and public awareness campaigns should be implemented to promote knowledge about the benefits of immunization in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.