Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Community Pharmacists towards of Label Medications in Khartoum State: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Makki, Abrar A. and Mohammed, Saif-alnasr H. and Ahmedani, Elsamoual Ibrahim and Yousef, Bashir A. (2024) Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Community Pharmacists towards of Label Medications in Khartoum State: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 36 (10). pp. 39-48. ISSN 2456-9119

[thumbnail of Yousef36102024JPRI123673.pdf] Text
Yousef36102024JPRI123673.pdf - Published Version

Download (350kB)

Abstract

Background: Healthcare providers, including pharmacists who prescribe medications, have a professional obligation to select treatments that are in the best interests of their patients. Consequently, the concept of off-label drug use, where drugs are used outside their approved indications, dosages, routes, or patient groups, often appears in medical literature, continuing education, and online resources. This term can be contentious, linked to both significant benefits and risks for patients. This study aimed to assess community pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes towards off-label medications.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, 24-item questionnaire distributed to 330 randomly selected community pharmacies in Khartoum State from December 2020 to February 2021.

Results: A 100% response rate was achieved. Most respondents were female (63.3%), aged 25-29 years (59.5%), and had 1-6 years of experience (36.6%). Over 75.1% were familiar with the concept of off-label prescribing, primarily through practical experience rather than formal education. Reasons mentioned for off-label prescriptions included indications (76.5%). More than half (62%) believed that prescribing off-label drugs is illegal, and only 16% felt they had adequate knowledge about off-label drug use. Despite concerns about safety (51%) and efficacy (54.7%), the majority of pharmacists relied on the British National Formulary (50%) or national guidelines (18.1%) rather than local formularies or package inserts for information. While 59.5% agreed they had a responsibility to inform prescribers about off-label use, 51.5% felt similarly towards informing patients. Regarding specific medications, 88% of respondents considered the use of metformin for obesity to be off-label, compared to 26.9% for pregabalin for neuropathic pain, and 66.7% and 31.3% for prazosin and clomiphene, respectively.

Conclusion: Community pharmacists in Khartoum State appear to have limited awareness and concerns about the issues surrounding off-label prescribing. Most acquired relevant knowledge through work experience rather than formal training.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: West Bengal Archive > Medical Science
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email support@westbengalarchive.com
Date Deposited: 23 Sep 2024 10:35
Last Modified: 23 Sep 2024 10:35
URI: http://article.stmacademicwriting.com/id/eprint/1449

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item