Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists toward the management of acne vulgaris in Palestine: a cross-sectional study
Date
2020-01-13
Authors
Ghanem, Rania E.
Mostafa, Saja H.
Abu Hamamda, Najla K.
Khdour, Maher R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common dermatological disease affecting almost
85% of teenagers. Patients with AV usually present at community pharmacies during the
early stages of their disease.
Aim The aim of this study was to assess community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes,
and practice toward AV management in West Bank in Palestine.
Methods This study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. The questionnaire
included four sections: 1) demographic, 2) knowledge, 3) attitude and practice items
related causes, and 4) treatment options and counseling during management of patients
with AV. A convenience sampling method was implemented in this study. Parametric and
non-parametric tests were used to compare different issues as appropriate. P < 0.05 were
considered significant.
Result A total of 270 community pharmacists were interviewed, and more than half
(54.1%) were males. The study revealed that community pharmacists had an inadequate
level of knowledge on management of AV; only 7.7% had high levels of knowledge.
Pharmacists have positive attitude regarding AV management, but inadequate knowledge
was reflected on their treatment practices; only 10% of participants independently dealt
with AV without referral. Pharmacists with a low level of knowledge showed five times
more referrals than those with a high level of knowledge (OR: 5.3; P < 0.001), and those
with a bachelor degree showed three times more referrals than postgraduates (OR: 3.3;
P < 0.001).
Conclusion There is a demand to update dermatological knowledge of community
pharmacists and encourage them to attend structured training programs about the
management of AV.