Visiting Community Pharmacies Research Articles

Beliefs of patients who visited community pharmacies about medicines and supplements, the need for drug therapy and medication adherence – a cross-sectional study

Beliefs of patients who visited community pharmacies about medicines and supplements, the need for drug therapy and medication adherence – a cross-sectional study

Fall risk-increasing drugs and associated health outcomes among community-dwelling older patients: A cross-sectional study in Croatian cohort of the EuroAgeism H2020 project.

Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) in a sample of community-residing older patients in Croatia and its association with negative health outcomes. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on older patients (65+) visiting community pharmacies in three regionally different study sites in Croatia. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed for that purpose and included components of comprehensive geriatric assessment. Prevalence of FRIDs was identified using the "Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in older adults with high fall risk" (STOPPFall). In the sample of 407 participants (median age 73 (IQR 69-70) years; 63.9 % females), 79.1 % used at least one FRID. The most common drug classes were diuretics, benzodiazepines, and opioids (in 51.1 %, 38.1 %, and 17.2 % participants, respectively). More FRIDs were prescribed to the oldest old patients (85+) and participants from poorer regions of Croatia (Slavonia) (p < 0.05). Exposition to FRIDs was identified as the significant risk factor associated with falls (OR = 1.24 (1.04-1.50); p = 0.020) and higher health-care utilization (OR = 1.29 (1.10-1.51); p = 0.001). Our study highlights the need for rationalization of FRID use. To reduce the unnecessary exposure to FRIDs in older adults, health-care professionals must consider high individualization of medication schemes regarding selection, dosing, and combinations of only necessary FRIDs.

Knowledge Gaps Regarding Allergic Rhinitis among the Patients Visiting Community Pharmacies of Lahore, Pakistan

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a varied disorder characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal blockage, nasal itching, and a runny nose. This study assessed the knowledge of patients about Allergic rhinitis and to identify knowledge gaps in patient’s understanding along with the factors that may impact knowledge regarding the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study design was implemented to collect data from patients visiting community pharmacies of Lahore on a structured questionnaire (self-developed) containing 12 items related to knowledge. The questionnaire was distributed to physician diagnosed Allergic rhinitis patients. The questionnaire with closed-ended questions was completed by 240 participants of both genders as sampled through random sampling procedure. The study spanned over a period of eight months. Results: Among 240 respondents, 81.3% were students and majority were female (58.3%). It revealed that only 33.3% of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge about Allergic rhinitis, while 66.7% demonstrated inadequate knowledge. Among demographic variables, female respondents presented better knowledge compared to the male population. Moreover, education status was positively associated with knowledge of respondents. Low education status of study subjects was observed to be the reason for knowledge gap among respondents. The p-values&lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap in respondent’s knowledge, emphasizing the need for targeted education and intervention. Low literacy rate was the major factor negatively associated with respondents’ knowledge of Allergic rhinitis. Improved knowledge is crucial to promoting good practices and achieving desired outcomes. Educational interventions and seminars should be conducted at public health sectors to enhance awareness in the general population.

Exploring the availability and accessibility of medication abortion pills in Delhi, India: A mystery client study in community pharmacies

ObjectivesAlthough medication abortion drugs technically require a prescription in India, research suggests that they are often available directly from pharmacies. We conducted a mystery client study in the capital city of Delhi to explore the availability, accessibility, and pharmacy dispensing practices of mifepristone/misoprostol in the absence of a prescription. Study designUsing two predetermined client profiles – one of an unmarried woman and one of her male partner – we visited community pharmacies in different neighborhoods. Mystery clients began the interaction with a request for “a pill to bring back” a period after a positive pregnancy test. We documented product availability, price, and outcome and assessed the quality of the client-pharmacy worker interaction. We analyzed these encounters using descriptive statistics and for themes. ResultsIn late 2022, we made 172 visits to 86 pharmacies. Medication abortion pills were available at more than half of the pharmacy visits (n=91, 53%) and our mystery clients purchased the drugs without a prescription during 22% (n=37) of all visits. The woman and man clients purchased mifepristone/misoprostol on a similar number of occasions, but we assessed the pharmacy worker interactions with the man as more positive. Pharmacy workers provided varied information about the regimen and the encounters were brief. ConclusionsMedication abortion drugs appear to be available without a prescription in a sizeable minority of pharmacies in Delhi, India. Our findings suggest that identifying ways to work with pharmacy workers to support their ability to provide medically accurate information about the optimal mifepristone/misoprostol regimen is warranted. ImplicationsPharmacy access to mifepristone/misoprostol has the potential to greatly reduce barriers to accessing abortion care in India. Despite technically requiring a prescription, medication abortion drugs are available behind-the-counter at a sub-set of pharmacies in Delhi. Future research on formalizing and supporting pharmacy access and exploring abortion seekers’ experiences with pharmacy access is warranted.

Self-medication of the pediatric population by parents in Morocco: Survey in the Midelt region

Self-medication, the practice of administering medications without a medical prescription, has become a ubiquitous reality in many homes. Although often seen as a practical solution to alleviate minor ailments, it also raises major concerns, particularly when it involves children. Indeed, self-medication among children by their parents is a complex phenomenon, influenced by various social, cultural and economic factors. The main objective of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication of the pediatric population by parents in the Midelt region and to identify its determinants. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted through a questionnaire with 127 parents of children under 12 years old visiting community pharmacies in the region, between May 1 and October 31, 2022. The prevalence of self-medication was 92.9%, the majority of parents resorted to self-medication of their children for benign pathologies; transient fever, minimal pain and nasopharyngitis. This self-medication is done very early, between 6 months and 2 years. In all, 41.5% of parents used age as a criterion to determine the dose, 49.2% exchanged the dose measurement system between two medications, 76.3% used drug combinations for self-medication, antipyretic analgesics and antibiotics are the therapeutic classes most used in self-medication, 42.2% use the syrup or oral suspension form when self-medicating their children and 64% stated that the pharmacist is their source of information relating to medications. This research found widespread use of self-medication among children by their parents, particularly among those with secondary education living in urban area. These findings underline the need to develop a therapeutic education program intended for families, in collaboration with community pharmacists and various health professionals. The aim is to strengthen the safety of children by encouraging more responsible medical practices within homes.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Community Pharmacists in Managing Chronic Diseases in Lahore, Pakistan

Background: The rising number of chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a major danger to the worldwide health community. The ability of individuals to successfully manage their medical problems with the help of healthcare professionals is essential to the effective control of chronic illnesses. Objective: The current study focuses to evaluate the knowledge of community pharmacist’s regarding chronic disease management, their attitude, and their practice to control chronic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted using random sampling method in Lahore, Pakistan. The samples collected for this study was 110. However, the final sample size was 93, the remaining forms were discarded. Data was collected by visiting community pharmacies in Lahore. The filled questionnaires were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences program software (SPSS Inc., version 21.0, IBM corp., Armonk NY, USA). P-value of less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant values. Results: The results, with a p value of 0.001, indicate a significant difference in adequacy of knowledge between the male and female groups. Majority of the participants have bachelor’s education and are unmarried. The p-value of 0.871 for level of education shows insignificant association between the higher education and better practice scores. The most important finding in this study is significant relationship between technology proficiency and adequacy of knowledge with p-value of 0.005. This shows that those who are more proficient in the technology are significantly more likely to have adequate knowledge. Conclusion: This study concludes that the majority of community pharmacists had adequate knowledge regarding chronic disease management. But showed neutral attitude and fair practice towards the control of chronic diseases. In order to optimize the management of chronic diseases, community pharmacists need to exhibit best practices and a positive attitude.

Overview of Indonesian Community Pharmacy: Understanding Practice Changes

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Community pharmacy practice in Indonesia has shifted to a patient-centered model, offering a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;range&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt; of services that include treatment advice, chronic disease management, and public health promotion. This shift benefits consumers who visit community pharmacies as their initial healthcare point. The Indonesian healthcare system, a mix of public and private providers, is governed by a decentralized structure, fostering significant investment in private healthcare despite access limitations due to financial capacity. Medicines distribution, managed by the District Health Office, ensures supply to primary healthcare facilities, with community pharmacies regulated by the Ministry of Health and the Indonesian National Food and Drug Agency. Despite stringent regulations mandating comprehensive services, most pharmacists are not remunerated for their services. Pharmacy staff, including formally qualified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, are registered professionals, with recent trends indicating a shift towards employing pharmacy technicians to enable pharmacists to focus on clinical roles. Economic factors and innovative service delivery modes, such as telepharmacy and online purchasing, are expected to influence future practices, enhancing the pharmacist's role in chronic disease management and other health conditions. The evolving community pharmacy practice in Indonesia reflects broader changes in the healthcare system and professional roles, with continued progression anticipated.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Assessing Public Awareness, Utilization and Satisfaction with Community Pharmacy Services.

The Saudi Community pharmacy sector has been changing towards patient-centred care rather than depending solely on dispensing medications. Accordingly, pharmacies can now provide many services that they previously could not offer. The aims of this study were to identify all pharmacy services provided in a community setting and to assess public awareness and utilization of and satisfaction with these services. This was a cross-sectional study in which the authors first purposively visited community pharmacies to identify the services offered. Pharmacists were asked about pharmacy services currently provided to community. Fieldnotes were used to document pharmacists' responses. After identifying pharmacy services, a questionnaire was desgined and reviewed by experts in the field, piloted and approved by the Ethics Committee at King Faisal University, then disseminated via Google Forms. The satisfaction level with pharmacy services was assessed using a five-point Likert scale. Data were collected from 24 January 2023 to 2 March 2023. Eighteen community pharmacies offering 17 different services were visited across Alahsa Governorate. The number of participants who completed the questionnaire was 350. Of those (232 [66.3%]) were female, and the majority of the sample (80.5%) were younger than 40 years old. The majority of the participants were unaware of pharmacy services. Out of 17 services, six received a score of 50% or higher regarding participant awareness. The most utilized services were the medication dispensing service "Wasfaty" (250 [71.4%]), medication counselling provided by pharmacists (232 [66.3%]) and minor ailment service (231 [66%]). The overall satisfaction score for pharmacy services was 87.2%. The majority of the participants were unaware of the full range of available pharmacy services. There is a potential for community pharmacists to fill the capacity gap in the healthcare system since, overall, the participants rated the pharmacies' clinical services as satisfactory. Commissioners of pharmacy services may consider extending the scope of community pharmacies to include services that best utilize the expertise of clinical pharmacists.

Dispensing of Antimicrobial Agents Without a Prescription in Iraq: A Call for Upholding the Legislations to Change Long-Standing Practices

Background: Antimicrobial prescribing patterns have an important role in the emergence of resistance, and community pharmacists have a substantial influence on this issue. Objective: To assess community pharmacists' behaviors and attitudes toward antimicrobial dispensing, determine their proportions and categories, and examine the underlying rationales for this practice. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in Iraq was conducted from June to August 2023, using a self-administered validated questionnaire. The attitudes, practices, and motivations driving the distribution of antimicrobials without a prescription (AWP) were explored in three areas. Results: A sizable proportion (61.6%) of respondents rejected dispensing AWP at community pharmacies. Patients primarily seek antibacterials from community pharmacies owing to budget constraints, according to 82.7% of respondents, rather than for consultation and diagnostic services. The most powerful element in a pharmacist's decision to administer AWP is that patients will seek antimicrobials from another pharmacy if they are not dispensed by the pharmacist, owing to the pharmacist's experience in infection management. The study found that 50%–74% of patients who visited community pharmacies sought AWP. Antimicrobials are most commonly provided without a prescription for cold and flu and urinary tract infections (37.3% and 27.7%, respectively). Conclusions: The majority of pharmacists regularly dispense AWP. To guarantee compliance with Iraqi legislation and laws governing AWP distribution, ongoing training programs should be created to educate the public on the most effective methods.

Surveillance of antimicrobial awareness among patients visiting community pharmacies

ObjectiveAlthough antimicrobial resistance (AMR) measures have been progressing, cases of patients requesting their doctors to prescribe antimicrobial agents and patients mistakenly believing that these agents are effective against viruses occasionally occur. In the AMR action plan (2023–2027) in Japan, one of the primary goals are public awareness and education. However, public understanding of AMR and antimicrobial agents has been reported to be at an unsatisfactory level. Here, we conducted a surveillance of antimicrobial awareness among patients visiting community pharmacies. Material and methodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among patients visiting nine pharmacies in Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. A total of 1887 active questionnaires were collected. The relationship between answers was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. ResultsOf the patients, 72% were unaware of AMR, and 68% believed that antimicrobials are effective against viruses. In addition, 28% of the patients answered that they did not take antimicrobial agents as prescribed by their physicians. Seventeen percent of the patients had never received appropriate instruction of antimicrobial use from pharmacists. Analysis of the relationship between answers showed that patients with correct knowledge were 1.65 times more likely to take antimicrobial agents as prescribed by their physicians (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the factors that led to the inappropriate behaviors of patients were associated with preliminary antimicrobial prescriptions from physicians (odds ratio, 3.18; 95% CI, 2.12–4.76) (P < 0.01). ConclusionThis study strongly suggests that physician and pharmacist interventions regarding the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents are important to improve awareness of antimicrobial agents.

Medication risk checklist for older adults (LOTTA) – development and validation of a self-assessment tool

Background Patient safety strategies highlight patients’ own active involvement in ensuring medication safety. A prerequisite for involving patients in their medication therapy is having tools that can assist them in ensuring safe medicine use. Older home-dwelling adults with multiple medications are at high risk for medication-related problems, yet only a few age-specific patient self-administered medication risk screening tools exist. This study aimed to develop, validate, and assess the feasibility of a self-administered medication risk checklist for home-dwelling older adults ≥65 years. Materials and methods The draft checklist was formed based on a validated practical nurse-administered Drug Related Problem Risk Assessment Tool supplemented with findings from two systematic literature reviews. The content validity of the draft checklist was determined by a three-round Delphi survey with a panel of 19 experts in geriatric care and pharmacotherapy. An agreement of ≥80% was required. A feasibility assessment (i.e. understandability of the items, fill-out time of the checklist) of the content-validated checklist was conducted among older adults ≥65 years (n = 87) visiting community pharmacies (n = 4). Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results The final validated and feasibility-tested Medication Risk Checklist (LOTTA) for home-dwelling older adults consists of eight items screening the highest priority systemic risks (three items), potentially drug-induced symptoms (one item), adherence, and self-management problems (four items). The checklist proved feasible for self-administration, the mean fill-out time being 6.1 min. Conclusions A wide range of potential medication risks related to the medication use process can be identified by patient self-assessment. Screening tools such as LOTTA can enhance early detection of potential medication risks and risk communication between older adults and their healthcare providers. A wider and more integrated use of the checklist could be facilitated by making it electronically available as part of the patient information systems.

Assessing consumers’ perception and demand on the community pharmacists’ dispensing

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the general public's perception of services provided by community pharmacies, their willingness to utilize these services, their satisfaction with and understanding of community pharmacists, and their views on dispensing separation and pharmacy medicines (P medicines).MethodsAn online cross-sectional study was conducted, in which questionnaires were distributed among the general public. A novel questionnaire was designed and validated specifically for this study. It was composed of six sections: demographics, pharmacy usage and service preferences, understanding and satisfaction with pharmacists, views on dispensing separation, private community pharmacies, and knowledge of P medicines. Statistical analyses such as one-way ANOVA, independent t test, and binary logistic regression were employed, with a p value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsThe study received 222 responses. The majority of the respondents were females within the 20–29-year-old age group (62.2%). Most respondents preferred to consult doctors for medical treatment, with their primary reason for visiting community pharmacies being to collect prescribed medicines. About 52.7% of respondents expressed their willingness to avail of screening services and treatment for minor illnesses at community pharmacies. A statistically significant difference was found among different age groups regarding their views on the dispensing separation system, with those aged 41–50 years demonstrating higher scores. However, the binary logistic regression analysis did not reveal any statistical significance when comparing the understanding of P medicines among respondents.ConclusionsIn general, the public prefers to consult doctors for medical treatment and visit community pharmacies predominantly to collect prescriptions or purchase over-the-counter medications. Nonetheless, they are also open to utilizing services provided by community pharmacists, particularly screening services and treatment for minor illnesses.

Public awareness regarding the manufacturer provided information about medicine usage, safety, and adverse drug reactions in Balochistan, Pakistan.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the general public's awareness of medicine information, safety, and adverse drug reactions in Quetta, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using random sampling from April 2020 to April 2021 in Quetta. Samples were collected from respondents who met the inclusion criteria and had visited community pharmacies. The analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess factors associated with good knowledge. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that purchase on prescription was a determining factor of knowledge regarding knowledge of pharmaceutical products and their provided information, medicines usage and safety, and Medication ADRs. Patients who bought medicines on prescriptions were more likely to have better knowledge. Patients having education were more likely to have better knowledge. Conclusion: Public awareness about medicine information, safety, and the information provided by manufacturers is crucial to ensuring that patients have access to accurate information about their medications and can make informed decisions about their health. Healthcare providers and regulatory bodies must work together to improve access to information and promote safe medication practices.

Assessment of Medication Regimen Complexity of COPD Regimens in Individuals Visiting Community Pharmacies.

Non-adherence is common and linked to poor COPD outcomes. Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) scores affect other disease outcomes. Little is known about the implications of MRCI scores in COPD. Secondary analysis was done to calculate MRCI scores assessing relationship to symptoms, COPD severity and health literacy (HL) to identify potential interventions to optimize adherence. Secondary analysis was conducted of cross-sectional, non-randomized survey data. Participants with self-reported COPD completed a survey of demographics, exacerbations, symptoms (COPD Assessment Test (CAT)), and self-reported COPD regimens. COPD severity was classified into Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) ABCD categories using exacerbation history and CAT. CAT scores were categorized as low (<10), high (>10) and very high (>20). A 1-year proportion of days covered (PDC) was calculated. A MRCI calculator scored regimens (primary endpoint). Published cut-off points were used to categorize MRCIs as low (≤4), medium (5-8) and high (>8) and inhaled device polypharmacy (IDP) as ≥3 devices. Risk for low HL was assessed using a Single Item Literacy Screener. Descriptive and Chi-squared statistics were used. Participants' (N = 709) PDC for 1 maintenance medicine averaged 0.43 ± 0.37; 28.7% were adherent (PDC ≥ 80%). CAT scores were very high in 54.6% and high in 35.8%. Distribution of GOLD categories were A (6%), B (35%), C (4%) and D (55%). High, medium and low MRCI were 85%, 14% and 9%, respectively. Mean devices per regimen was 2.05 ± 0.8; IDP was 28%. MRCI and IDP increased with worsening CAT scores and COPD severity per GOLD category (p<0.05), but not low HL. MRCI scores for COPD regimens increased with COPD severity and symptoms. Overall adherence was low despite high symptom scores; high MRCI scores could contribute. All COPD medication classes are available in multiple devices, combinations, and daily formulations; there is potential to simplify regimens. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate if interventions minimizing MRCI scores improve adherence and COPD outcomes.

Practice of pharmaceutical care by community pharmacists in response to self-medication request for a cough: a simulated client study

BackgroundCommunity pharmacy practice worldwide has been shifting from product-focused to patient-oriented. However, due to the absence of separation between prescribing and dispensing in Malaysia, community pharmacists may have limited roles in the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, the main functions of community pharmacists in Malaysia are related to self-medication requests for minor ailments and the supply of non-prescription medications. The objective of this study was to determine the practice of pharmaceutical care by community pharmacists within the Klang Valley, Malaysia in response to self-medication requests for a cough.MethodsThis study utilised a simulated client method. A research assistant, acting as a simulated client, visited community pharmacies in the Klang Valley, Malaysia to consult the pharmacists on the treatment of a cough experienced by his father. Upon leaving the pharmacy premise, the simulated client entered the pharmacist’s responses in a data collection form which was structured based on pharmacy mnemonics for the response to symptoms, OBRA’90 on counselling elements, the five practice principles of pharmaceutical care by the American Pharmacists Association and literature review. Visits to the community pharmacies were conducted from September to October 2018.ResultsThe simulated client visited a total of 100 community pharmacies. None of these community pharmacists practised adequate patients’ data collection, with only a low proportion who practised all the components studied under medication information evaluation (13%), formulating a drug therapy plan (15%) and monitoring and modifying the plan (3%). Of the 100 community pharmacists, 98 recommended treatment but none of them provided all the counselling elements studied in implementing the drug therapy plan.ConclusionThe present study showed that community pharmacists within the Klang Valley, Malaysia were not providing adequate pharmaceutical care services to patients seeking self-medication for a cough. Such practice may compromise patient safety if inappropriate medicines or advice are given.

Attitudes of the general public toward community pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

This research was conducted to evaluate the attitudes of the general public toward community pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia. The current study followed a cross-sectional design using an online anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between February and April 2022. The study participants were selected and recruited using a convenience sampling strategy. The questionnaire was adapted from previous work and involved four sections: demographic information, use of community pharmacy, perception and willingness to use community pharmacist services, and barriers to approaching a community pharmacist for advice. A total of 449 participants agreed to take part in this study and completed the questionnaire. Just above half (55%) of the participants indicated that they had visited a community pharmacy at least once a month over the last 12 months. The most frequently reported reason for visiting community pharmacies was to buy over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The majority (n = 318) of the participants were satisfied or highly satisfied with community pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia. A willingness to use community pharmacy services was expressed mostly for the essential community pharmacist roles, involving selecting over-the-counter products, management of minor ailments, selecting non-pharmaceuticals and receiving counseling on using medications. However, an unwillingness was noted to approach a community pharmacist for counseling on alcohol dependence and drug misuse. Lack of privacy in the community pharmacy was found to be the most frequently reported barrier that would hinder individuals from approaching community pharmacists to get help or advice. Policymakers in Saudi Arabia could considerably advance the community pharmacy practice and improve the public utilization of various community pharmacist services beyond their limited essential roles such as dispensing and counseling.

The Role of Pharmacists and Community Pharmacies in the Screening, Knowledge, and Awareness of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in Jordanian People Visiting Community Pharmacies.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), diabetes is increasing exponentially worldwide and will become more prevalent than ever in the Middle East by 2045, with a 110% increase. This study aims to clarify the role of pharmacists and community pharmacies in the screening, knowledge, and awareness of Type 2 diabetes among Jordanian people who visit community pharmacies in Amman, Jordan. Study design: This was a cross-sectional prospective study that was conducted from September to December 2021 in Amman, Jordan. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire that was composed of multiple parts. The first part collected information on demographics, residence, educational level, and insurance status; the second part was composed of 14 knowledge assessing questions; the last part was composed of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diabetes risk score card test. Additionally, after confirming that each participant had returned their completed sheets, participants who scored greater than 5 had their blood sugar levels checked using a finger-prick blood test. The questionnaire was administered in person by a trained researcher. Using Slovin's formula, a 95% confidence interval (CI), and a 0.05 margin of error, the sample size was determined to be 267 participants. The study included 305 participants. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) with a significance level of p < 0.05. A significant relationship was found between specialty (medical education) and the knowledge of risk factors for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), (p < 0.012). In terms of knowledge, from a total of 13 correct knowledge points (13 marks for correct answers out of 14), some subjects scored slightly higher than others (n = 175; 57.4% of participants scored above 7, nearly over half of the correct answers, compared to n = 130; 42.6% scoring below 7). We found 132 individuals (44%) with risk scores of five or above (high risk for developing T2DM according to ADA). Smokers comprised n = 138, 45%, and nonsmokers comprised n = 148, 48%. Although 50.5% of the participants (n = 154) held a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree, these degrees did not improve the participants' overall general knowledge levels. The association was tested using chi-squared analysis, but no significance was found. Random visitors to Jordanian community pharmacies are expected to benefit from awareness and educational campaigns. These test results revealed a lack of knowledge, indicating the need for education to dispel myths and highlight the serious risks associated with T2DM. The study discovered that participants' understanding of diabetes disease prevention through lifestyle and dietary changes was inadequate. A specialist-led educational program may increase knowledge among visitors who participate. In order to prevent the spread of diabetes, more campaigns and health-promoting and prevention educational activities are required.

Perception of the community toward the transition of pharmaceutical care services from ministry of health primary healthcare centers to community pharmacies

Introduction: There is a lack of research on the impact of the transition of pharmaceutical care service from Ministry of Health (MOH) primary healthcare centers (PHCs) to community pharmacies (Wasfaty service) in Saudi Arabia. This study explored the Saudi community’s perception toward the transition of pharmaceutical care service. Community needs and expectations from the Wasfaty service were assessed, and its experience, concerns, and limitations were evaluated.Methods: Qualitative, in-depth, semistructured interviews of Saudi community members who visited community pharmacies with electronic prescriptions from MOH PHCs were conducted. The data obtained from participants were thematically organized and analyzed using NVivo software.Results: Seven themes related to the new Wasfaty service were identified and divided into three categories: perception toward the transition in pharmaceutical care, experience with the Wasfaty service, and concerns about limitations of the Wasfaty service. The Saudi community was generally satisfied with the new Wasfaty service and highlighted its benefits compared to PHCs pharmacies. These include: easier access, time flexibility, lower crowds, better communication with pharmacists, better medication education, better medication availability, better control over dispensing, and easier refills. However, the community complained about the lack of privacy in community pharmacies, the lack of female pharmacists, and the low number of Saudi pharmacists. They also were concerned about the number and location of community pharmacies featuring the Wasfaty service, some technical issues, and the lack of labels on medications (i.e., receiving no instructions about medication storage).Conclusions: The Saudi community showed its need for the transition in pharmaceutical care services.

Comparative analysis of depression, anxiety, stress, and eating disorders among working and nonworking women visiting community pharmacies in Lahore, Pakistan

Anxiety and depression are common worldwide and often occur together. Anxiety can alter appetite, causing women to consume more food than usual, leading to changes in eating behavior and obesity. This comparative cross-sectional study compared the severity of depression, anxiety, stress, and eating disorders among working and nonworking women visiting community pharmacies. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 244 working women and 267 nonworking women. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and a chi-square test was conducted to evaluate differences in the severity of depression, anxiety, stress, and eating disorders between the two groups of participants. Most participants were literate; approximately half of the working (50.82%) and nonworking women (55.06%) had a normal body mass index. There were significant differences between the working and nonworking women in terms of their education and physical activity levels (p &lt; 0.05). Both groups were identified as being at risk of developing bulimia, but their ability to control eating habits differed significantly (p = 0.008). Most participants reported never using laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics to control their weight. Moreover, they reported that they had never received treatment for eating disorders or experienced thoughts of suicide. The study found no significant difference in depression (p = 0.085) and anxiety levels (p = 0.207) between working and nonworking women. However, a significant difference was found in stress levels between working and nonworking women (p = 0.001). Our study highlights a significant prevalence of psychological issues among working and nonworking women in Pakistan, impacting their eating habits and contributing to developing eating disorders and obesity. Interestingly, working women display higher physical activity levels, while nonworking women demonstrate better oral control to prevent eating disorders. To improve women's mental and physical well-being, we recommend prioritizing mental health interventions for all women, promoting healthy eating habits, supporting physical activity, and investigating underlying factors influencing psychological well-being.

Community pharmacy-based SOAP notes documentation.

There is still scarce and sparse evidence regarding documentation of the subjective, objective, assessment and plan (SOAP) note in community pharmacies despite its long implementation history in clinical and academia settings. Hence, we aimed to document and maintain SOAP notes for individual patients visiting community pharmacies for their health problems.We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study at 2 community pharmacies in Nepal from July to December 2019. We recruited 400 patients from all age groups suffering from any health problem using simple random sampling. Patients’ subjective complaints were retrieved from their respective prescriptions and verified by interviewing them. Data were collected on the standard format of the SOAP notes and all data related to patients’ subjective and objective evaluations, and assessments and plans were descriptively analyzed with R programming 4.0.3. Drug interaction profile was checked with the Medscape Drug Interaction Checker.A total of 87 (21.8%) patients aged 42 to 51 years participated in the research, out of whom 235 (58.8%) were female, 208 (52%) illiterate, 359 (89.8%) were facing mild polypharmacy, and 40 (9.9%) were suffering from joint, leg, ankle, and knee pain. There were 41 minor (11.4%), 130 major (32.7%), and 3 severe (0.9%) drug interaction cases (i.e., medication-related problems), with 11 (2.8%) occurring between amlodipine and metformin, which required close monitoring. There were 226 (56.5%) cases with follow-up planned for the patients when necessary.This novel approach in documenting SOAP notes at community pharmacies during dispensing would be an extended form of the same being applied in clinical settings. Hence, this would open a new arena for the community pharmacists to expand their professionalism beyond the clinical and academia by documenting patients’ complex disease and medication profiles in their documentation.