Pharmacists’ involvements and barriers in the provision of health promotion services towards noncommunicable diseases: Community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Community drug retail outlets (CDROs) are among the initial healthcare facilities where pharmacists play a crucial role in preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, this study assessed pharmacists’ level of involvement and barriers in the provision of health promotion for noncommunicable diseases at CDROs in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Northwest Ethiopia from April to June 2022. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. The level of involvement mean score difference among pharmacists was investigated using an independent samples t-test and a one-way ANOVA. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between pharmacists’ level of involvement and other variables. A p-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 285 (94.4%) participants participated in the study out of 302 approached samples. Overall, more than half (58.9%) of the participants showed a high level of involvement in health promotion. Pharmacists who had a degree and/or above (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01–0.63; p < 0.001) and served a lower number of clients per day (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04–94; p = 0.042) were less likely to have low involvement in health promotion services. Pharmacists who worked fewer hours per day (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.79–7.48; p = 0.005) were more likely to have low involvement. Lack of an appropriate area in the CDROs (52.1%) and lack of coordination with other healthcare providers (43.6%) were the most reported barriers to the provision of health promotion. Conclusion Most pharmacists were found to have a high level of involvement in health promotion activities. A lack of an appropriate area in the CDROs and a lack of coordination with other healthcare providers were among the most reported barriers. Pharmacists might benefit from training to increase their educational backgrounds, and barriers could be addressed to enhance the pharmacist involvement.

Comparing knowledge, attitudes, and practices in cardiovascular disease prevention and health promotion between community and hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

“…The study also showed that only a few pharmacists had sufficient knowledge; additionally, both community and hospital pharmacists achieved poor knowledge scores. These results are consistent with the study conducted among community pharmacists in northwest Ethiopia ( Sendekie et al, 2023 ). However, some studies conducted in the same context demonstrated adequate knowledge, which diverged from the current study results ( Amadi et al, 2018 ).…”

Actual practices of community pharmacists in the management of diabetes: a comparison of simulated patient-based study with perceived role of involvement

“…These items focus on the routine, detailed activities of CPPs, including: the request for a prescription; detailed medication information in terms of dosage regimens, potential side effects, and adherence; lifestyle modifications and risky behaviours; physical activities; routine checkups for blood glucose, blood pressure, and weight; consulting of physicians for further assessment; and services provided for diabetic patients. The items were prepared after reviewing of relevant literature (Sendekie et al, 2023 ; Erku et al, 2017 ; Belachew et al, 2020 ; Yousuf et al, 2019 ; Teka & Baye, 2018 ).…”

“…The roles of community pharmacist in public healthcare services have grown and expanded. They are making more direct interventions in disease management, medication education, and preventative actions (Omboni & Caserini, 2018 ; George et al, 2010 ; Sendekie et al, 2023 ; Laliberté et al, 2012 ). Direct interventions can be used to provide people in the area with pharmaceutical treatments immediately.…”

Pharmacists’ Medication Counseling Practices and Knowledge and Satisfaction of Patients With an Outpatient Hospital Pharmacy Service

“…7 The biggest challenges include a lack of qualified pharmacists, a lack of standard practice guidelines for counseling and medicationrelated issues, and a lack of public understanding of the pharmacist's role in healthcare. [8][9][10][11] An earlier study conducted by Asrade et al showed that being busy with pharmacists and the education, experience, and attitudes of pharmacists were found to be obstacles to providing counseling. 12 Patient satisfaction is influenced by a variety of factors, including the standard of clinical care delivered, the availability of medications, the conduct of medical professionals, the cost of services, hospital infrastructure, physical comfort, emotional support, and consideration of the preferences of the patient.…”

“… 7 The biggest challenges include a lack of qualified pharmacists, a lack of standard practice guidelines for counseling and medication-related issues, and a lack of public understanding of the pharmacist’s role in healthcare. 8 - 11 An earlier study conducted by Asrade et al showed that being busy with pharmacists and the education, experience, and attitudes of pharmacists were found to be obstacles to providing counseling. 12…”