Assessment the knowledge of community pharmacists in diabetic patients counseling in Ha’il, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases that may contribute to severe morbidity, mortality, and disability. Community Pharmacists are essential to optimizing drug use and enhancing patient outcomes— this study aims to assess community pharmacist knowledge and services currently provided to diabetic patients. Method a cross-sectional study was done in the Hail region by a structured questionnaire including a demographic profile of the participant with the variables (gender, age, nationality, education, and experience) as well as supporting characteristics, evaluation of diabetes care services, MCQ of pharmacists’ diabetes-related knowledge and perceived barriers for providing diabetic care services. The data analysis is completed by SPSS and with the endnote program for reference citation. Results the majority of pharmacists working in community pharmacies in the Hail region were males (82.9%), young (24-34year) 68.5%, non-Saudi (70.5%), about (64–65%) of pharmacists delivered pharmaceutical care services to diabetic patients; always provide counseling for smoking cessation, drug administration, glucose monitoring, and diabetes complications. The majority of community pharmacists (61%) have moderate diabetes-related knowledge and have various counseling barriers like limited knowledge about diabetes counseling and lack of time. Conclusion: Hail region community pharmacists have a moderate understanding of diabetes counseling, so they need further training and workshops about diabetes counseling.