Differences in knowledge about epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs among pharmacy-dispensing workers in Cambodia and in Lao PDR

Sengxeu, Noudy; Boumédiène, Farid; Vorachit, Somchit; Chivorakoun, Phetvongsinh; Souvong, Vimalay; Manithip, Chanthanom; Chan, Samleng; Ros, Sina; Chea, Kimly; Aon, Chanraksmey; Preux, Pierre‐Marie; Ratsimbazafy, Voa; Dufat, Hanh; Jost, Jérémy

doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106834

Cited by 2 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 45 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“… 6 However, few studies have shown that pharmacists need support tools and resources to further their knowledge and skills in managing patients with epilepsy. 7 - 10 Two studies have identified a lack of familiarity with the condition and its treatment for pharmacists and a distinct need for educational tools. 7 , 8 In addition, 2 studies aimed at evaluating pharmacists’ knowledge of AED concerning women’s health identified both several knowledge gaps and areas for educational intervention.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Survey of Canadian Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Comfort in the Management of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drugs

Chandok

Mahmoud

2022

Journal of Pharmacy Technology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: As antiepileptic drugs (AED) remain the mainstay of epilepsy management, pharmacists have the potential to play an integral role in the management. Objective: The goal of our study was to characterize Canadian pharmacists’ knowledge and comfort in managing epilepsy and AED and identify areas of need for the development of support tools. Methods: An electronic survey was designed and distributed to Canadian pharmacists through professional organizations. The survey consisted of 4 sections, including demographics, knowledge, comfort, and needs assessment around epilepsy management. Results: A total of 605 complete responses were included. Nearly two-thirds of the participants were females (61.6%) and most reported more than 10 years of practice experience (61.6%). For comfort, a majority of the participants responded agree or strongly agree to the statement inquiring about the comfort in checking prescriptions, answering questions about drug interactions, and counseling on AED. Conversely, more than 50% of the participants selected disagree or strongly disagree when asked about their comfort regarding interpreting therapeutic drug monitoring and assisting patients withdraw from AED. For the knowledge section, the overall average score was 57.6% ± 19.1%. Hospital practice, recent graduation, and neurology experience were independent predictors of high scores. Many participants indicated a need for tools addressing newer AED and monitoring of therapy. Conclusion: Although Canadian pharmacists displayed knowledge and comfort in certain aspects of epilepsy management, some clear knowledge and comfort gaps are prevalent. These findings indicate a need for the development of epilepsy educational support tools.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Survey of Canadian Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Comfort in the Management of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drugs

Chandok

Mahmoud

2022

Journal of Pharmacy Technology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Many drug retailers (pharmacy, drug depot, …. ), which are the first and one of the most regular points of contact of patients with the healthcare system, are often run by nonprofessionals 22 . In many situations, storage conditions are inappropriate such as plastic containers without any desiccators (static adsorption of moisture in a closed environment), bottles without caps, no air‐conditioning in the storage room, or operating intermittently 23 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In many situations, storage conditions are inappropriate such as plastic containers without any desiccators (static adsorption of moisture in a closed environment), bottles without caps, no air‐conditioning in the storage room, or operating intermittently 23 . Furthermore, a recent study performed in Lao PDR and Cambodia has shown a lack of knowledge about epilepsy and the appropriate use of ASM among pharmacy‐dispensing workers 22 . All of these aspects are avoidable determinants of the treatment gap.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…), which are the first and one of the most regular points of contact of patients with the healthcare system, are often run by nonprofessionals. 22 In many situations, storage conditions are inappropriate such as plastic containers without any desiccators (static adsorption of moisture in a closed environment), bottles without caps, no airconditioning in the storage room, or operating intermittently. 23 Furthermore, a recent study performed in Lao PDR and Cambodia has shown a lack of knowledge about epilepsy and the appropriate use of ASM among pharmacy-dispensing workers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…23 Furthermore, a recent study performed in Lao PDR and Cambodia has shown a lack of knowledge about epilepsy and the appropriate use of ASM among pharmacy-dispensing workers. 22 All of these aspects are avoidable determinants of the treatment gap. Until…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Availability, affordability, and quality of essential anti‐seizure medication in Cambodia

et al. 2021

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective Epilepsy is a major neurological disorder that requires long‐term medical treatment. Once epilepsy is diagnosed, people with epilepsy face many difficulties in accessing treatment (treatment gap). Our objective was to assess the situation regarding the availability, price, affordability, and quality of anti‐seizure medication (ASM), which are major determinants of access to treatment. Method A cross‐sectional study was performed in provincial/district hospitals and private pharmacies in urban and rural areas in Cambodia. Data on ASM availability and price were obtained through drug suppliers. Affordability was estimated as the number of day wages the lowest‐paid government employee must work to purchase a monthly treatment. Samples of ASM were collected, and the quality of ASM was assessed through Medicine Quality Assessment Reporting Guidelines. Results Out of 138 outlets visited, only 72 outlets (52.2% [95% CI 43.5‐60.7]) had at least one ASM available. Phenobarbital 100 mg was the most available (35.5%), followed by carbamazepine 200 mg (21.7%), phenobarbital 50 mg (11.6%), sodium valproate 500 mg (9.4%), and phenytoin 100 mg (9.4%). In provincial/district hospitals, ASM was provided free of charge. In private pharmacies, affordability for phenobarbital 50 mg and 100 mg was the best, with 0.6 and 0.5 days, respectively, compared to phenytoin 100 mg (1.8 days), and other ASM. No counterfeit ASM was found in this study. Phenytoin sample presented the worst quality (33.0%) compared to carbamazepine (27.8%), and other ASM. Significance A lack of access to affordable and effective ASM due to low availability and poor quality of ASM was identified. Our research highlights the need for future policy efforts to ensure the quality of ASM and improve their availability. This can be achieved by involving the calculation of their annual needs for these drugs and increasing the national production of ASM.

show abstract

Differences in knowledge about epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs among pharmacy-dispensing workers in Cambodia and in Lao PDR

Cited by 2 publications

References 45 publications

A Survey of Canadian Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Comfort in the Management of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drugs

A Survey of Canadian Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Comfort in the Management of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drugs

Availability, affordability, and quality of essential anti‐seizure medication in Cambodia

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About