KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF PHARMACEUTICAL CARE AMONG PHARMACISTS IN A STATE IN NIGERIA
Amibor KC*, Onyegasi CS, Ezeudu PI
Department of Pharmacy, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 10(1): 22-31; June/July 2018
ABSTRACT
Pharmaceutical care is a patient centered, outcome oriented practice, requiring collaboration between pharmacists and other care givers. In Nigeria, pharmacy practice is still majorly product based. Although several studies have been carried out on knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmaceutical care in Nigeria, there are no published studies from Delta State as at the time of this study to the best of our knowledge. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmaceutical care among pharmacists in Delta State. This was a prospective study using a structured, pretested and self-administered questionnaire to 120 pharmacists that gathered in Abraka, in August, 2012. The four part Questionnaire evaluated demographics of respondents, knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmaceutical care. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS Version 17. Descriptive and chi square statistics were obtained. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of 120 questionnaires administered, 110 were returned giving a response rate of 91.7%. Nearly half (41.8%) were aged 31-40 years, more than half (59.1%) were males; half (50.0%) had Bachelor of Pharmacy as sole degree. Majority (84.5%) were married, about half (55.5%) were practicing in hospitals; a third (37.3%) had been practicing for 1-10 years. Knowledge was poor 49.1%, attitude was weak (57.3%), with male respondents having a more positive attitude than females (2 = 12.882, ٭P = 0.002, p < 0.05). Practice was poor (50.8%). Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmaceutical care in this study were poor; attitude was more positive in males than females. Factors militating against practice ranged from fear of change, lack of standards and space. Educational intervention such as the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development and attitudinal change are recommended to improve the knowledge and practice of pharmaceutical care.
KEYWORDS: Knowledge, attitude, practice, pharmaceutical care, pharmacists
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