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Ho AVL, Lau I, Davidson M, Nimmo A, Croker FA. The role of community pharmacists as oral health advisors in the management of oral effects of asthma medications: an exploratory survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2024:riae022. [PMID: 38738298 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate community pharmacists' attitudes, confidence, practice, knowledge, and barriers towards the management of oral side effects of asthma medications. METHODS A paper-based questionnaire was developed from previous research, trialled, and validated. Convenience sampling through web search was used to identify pharmacy practices across Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Practices were contacted by email and phone before hand-delivering and collecting questionnaires. KEY FINDINGS Thirty eight community pharmacist responses were descriptively analysed. Community pharmacists surveyed within the Cairns region feel that it is within their role to help manage the side effects of asthma medications. Many feel this is best conveyed during inhaler dispensing and instruction. Current advice is more prompted rather than preventative. Pharmacists routinely advise patients of mouth-rinsing following inhaler use, however the link to preventing side effects is not clearly communicated. Pharmacists are confident in recognizing and managing common side effects such as oral thrush and dry mouth, but fewer are aware of dental decay and gingivitis. Many identify a lack of guidelines as the largest barrier to providing preventive oral health advice. CONCLUSIONS Cairns community pharmacists already self-perceive their role in the management of oral side effects of asthma medications. Advice given to patients is practical but does not clearly convey the causative associations between asthma medications and their potential oral side effects. Patient education is prompted more by enquiry rather than a preventative approach. The development of standardized practice protocols and integration within undergraduate degrees or continuing education may benefit the community-pharmacist delivered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Vy Luan Ho
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Isabel Lau
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Michelle Davidson
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Alan Nimmo
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Felicity Ann Croker
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
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Lipsky MS, Singh T, Zakeri G, Hung M. Oral Health and Older Adults: A Narrative Review. Dent J (Basel) 2024; 12:30. [PMID: 38392234 PMCID: PMC10887726 DOI: 10.3390/dj12020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral health's association with general health, morbidity, and mortality in older adults highlights its importance for healthy aging. Poor oral health is not an inevitable consequence of aging, and a proactive, multidisciplinary approach to early recognition and treatment of common pathologies increases the likelihood of maintaining good oral health. Some individuals may not have regular access to a dentist, and opportunities to improve oral health may be lost if health professionals fail to appreciate the importance of oral health on overall well-being and quality of life. The authors of this narrative review examined government websites, the American Dental Association Aging and Dental Health website, and the Healthy People 2030 oral objectives and identified xerostomia, edentulism, caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer as five key topics for the non-dental provider. These conditions are associated with nutritional deficiencies, poorer quality of life, increased risk of disease development and poorer outcomes for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions prevalent among older adults. It is important to note that there is a bi-directional dimension to oral health and chronic diseases, underscoring the value of a multidisciplinary approach to maintaining oral health in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S Lipsky
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
- College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Tejasvi Singh
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
| | - Golnoush Zakeri
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
| | - Man Hung
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
- Division of Public Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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Taing MW, Choong J, Suppiah V, El-Den S, Park JS, McCullough M, Teoh L. A Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring Australian Pharmacists' and Students' Management of Common Oral Mucosal Diseases. PHARMACY 2023; 11:139. [PMID: 37736911 PMCID: PMC10514864 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11050139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral mucosal conditions are commonly experienced in the general population and can have a negative impact on one's quality of life. This study evaluated the ability of Australian pharmacists and final-year pharmacy students to recognise and manage these common oral mucosal diseases through the use of case vignettes. METHODS Australian pharmacists and final-year pharmacy students were invited through social media, university learning management systems, or email to complete an online questionnaire consisting of six case vignettes covering topics relating to common oral mucosal presentations. RESULTS A total of 65 pharmacists and 78 students completed the questionnaire. More than 50% of the participants reported having seen all types of oral mucosal presentations, except for denture stomatitis, in their practice. The provision of best practice recommendations was reported by only 14%, 15%, 8%, and 6% of the participants for geographic tongue, hairy tongue, angular cheilitis, and denture-associated stomatitis, respectively, whereas 82% offered an appropriate anti-viral treatment for cold sore and 33% provided the best practice recommendations for oral thrush. CONCLUSION This study emphasised the importance of further developing and integrating best practice oral healthcare training programs specifically tailored to the Australian pharmacy profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Wong Taing
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
| | - Joshua Choong
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
| | - Vijayaprakash Suppiah
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
| | - Sarira El-Den
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Joon Soo Park
- UWA Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Michael McCullough
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (M.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Leanne Teoh
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (M.M.); (L.T.)
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Hu J, McMillan SS, El-Den S, O'Reilly CL, Collins JC, Wheeler AJ. A scoping review of pharmacy participation in dental and oral health care. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2021; 50:339-349. [PMID: 33893672 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the scope of dental and oral health care (DOHC) provided by the pharmacy profession and associated outcomes, and attitudes of pharmacy staff and other key stakeholders about pharmacy involvement in this context. METHODS A scoping review of full-text articles describing outcomes related to pharmacy staff/student involvement in, knowledge of or attitudes towards DOHC in any setting, and stakeholder perspectives was conducted. Articles written in English were searched for using PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Education Resources Information Centre, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest for Dissertations and Theses. No date restrictions were used. Key outcomes were mapped: role and practice, knowledge and attitudes, and training and education. RESULTS Seventy studies met the inclusion criteria: 49 were conducted in developed countries; 60 were quantitative in design; and 38 involved community pharmacy settings only. Pharmacists and pharmacy support staff commonly managed DOHC inquiries (n = 13), including the provision of advice and products with or without a further referral. Integrated pharmacist-led services in dental settings (n = 4) showed improved prescribing and quality use of medicines but low community pharmacy referrals were identified in studies involving mystery shoppers with potential oral cancer (n = 7). DOHC promotion programmes delivered by pharmacy staff and collaborations with dentists were limited. There was interest from the pharmacy profession for a role in DOHC; however, knowledge gaps were reported and needs for further training identified. Consumer participant DOHC outcomes were not reported. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacists and pharmacy staff were interested in an expanded role in DOHC; however, this scoping review identified lack of knowledge and sub-optimal practice as potential barriers. Research on development, implementation and evaluation of DOHC-related services and practice by pharmacy staff was scarce. Further evidence of consumer-related oral health outcomes and their perceptions of the role of pharmacy is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Sara S McMillan
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Sarira El-Den
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire L O'Reilly
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jack C Collins
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Taing MW, Ford PJ, Freeman C. Community pharmacy staff needs for the provision of oral health care education and advice in Australia. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2020; 60:993-1000.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Taing M, Firth N, Ford PJ, Freeman CR. Exploring oral healthcare management across Australian community pharmacies using case vignettes. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2019; 47:225-235. [DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meng‐Wong Taing
- School of PharmacyThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Centre for Optimising Pharmacy Practice‐based Excellence in ResearchThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Norman Firth
- School of DentistryThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Pauline J. Ford
- School of DentistryThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Christopher R. Freeman
- School of PharmacyThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Centre for Optimising Pharmacy Practice‐based Excellence in ResearchThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Hoang H, Barnett T, Kirschbaum M, Dunbar S, Wong R. 'The public rely on me a lot': Rural pharmacists' perspectives on their roles in oral health care. Aust J Rural Health 2019; 27:57-63. [PMID: 30719795 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine rural pharmacists' perspectives on their roles in oral health in rural communities and collaborations with dental practitioners. DESIGN A qualitative research study using face-to-face, semistructured interviews. Interview data were thematically analysed with the assistance of Nvivo 10. SETTING Eleven rural communities across rural Tasmania. PARTICIPANTS Twenty community pharmacists. RESULTS Five major themes emerged: (i) barriers for patients to access dental services; (ii) oral health presentations to rural pharmacies; (iii) roles of pharmacists in oral health care (subthemes: advice; health promotion; and referrals); (iv) collaborations with dental practitioners; and (v) oral health education and training. CONCLUSION This study suggests that rural community pharmacists had advisory and referral roles in oral health and acknowledged that they could play a greater role in oral health promotion. It was suggested that oral health could be incorporated into existing pharmacy health promotion and surveillance activities. There was a lack of collaboration between pharmacists and dentists or dental services and limited oral health education and training provided to pharmacists. Stronger collaboration between pharmacists and dental practitioners and better oral health training for pharmacists may enhance their role in promoting oral health within rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Hoang
- Centre of Research Excellence in Primary Oral Health Care, Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tony Barnett
- Centre of Research Excellence in Primary Oral Health Care, Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mark Kirschbaum
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Stephanie Dunbar
- Centre of Research Excellence in Primary Oral Health Care, Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Rita Wong
- Centre of Research Excellence in Primary Oral Health Care, Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
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Palmisano LM, Mazan JL. Development of a pharmacy referral protocol to enhance interprofessional services in a university-affiliated dental medicine clinic. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2018; 58:547-553. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Taiwo OO, Panas R. Roles of community pharmacists in improving oral health awareness in Plateau State, Northern Nigeria. Int Dent J 2018; 68:287-294. [PMID: 29446064 DOI: 10.1111/idj.12383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is poor oral health awareness in Nigeria because of limited access to correct information on oral health as well as a lack of oral health-care providers. The purpose of this study was to describe the roles of community pharmacists (CPs) in Plateau State, Northern Nigeria, as sources of oral health information in their communities. METHODS A quantitative cross-sectional study on CPs spanning the entire State. Data collection was a survey method using a structured paper-based self-administered questionnaire. Analysis, which included t-tests and binary logistic regression, was carried out using SPSS ver. 23. RESULTS A one-sample t-test to assess the attitudes of CPs on oral health showed that they had a very good disposition towards engaging in oral health services [advice, referrals, recommendations and basic treatment (e.g. of pain); mean = 4.54, standard deviation = 0.59, t(111) = 27.8, P < 0.001]. Although CPs presently provide some services to patients with oral health problems, 94.7% were willing to do more to advance the cause of oral health care. Training of CPs on oral health (32%), removal of restrictive policies in the health bill (1.8%) and sensitising the public (6.3%) were some suggestions on how to improve these services. CONCLUSION The disposition of CPs towards improving oral health could serve as a platform to help propagate oral health care and awareness in their communities. Engaging the CPs might help to reduce oral health disparities by increasing oral health awareness and improving the quality of life via cost-effective delivery of pharmacy-based oral health-care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaniyi Olufemi Taiwo
- Regional Center for Oral Health Research and Training Initiatives (RCORTI) for Africa, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Raymond Panas
- Faculty of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Taiwo OO, Panas RM. Evaluation of Oral Health Treatment Needs encountered by Community Pharmacists in Plateau State, Nigeria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10062-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Lygre H, Kjome RLS, Choi H, Stewart AL. Dental providers and pharmacists: a call for enhanced interprofessional collaboration. Int Dent J 2017; 67:329-331. [DOI: 10.1111/idj.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Freeman CR, Abdullah N, Ford PJ, Taing MW. A national survey exploring oral healthcare service provision across Australian community pharmacies. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017940. [PMID: 28963314 PMCID: PMC5640116 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated pharmacists' and pharmacy assistants' current practices and perspectives with regard to oral healthcare provision across Australian community pharmacies. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. A questionnaire for each pharmacist and pharmacy assistant cohort was developed and administered by online or postal means. Pearson's χ2 test was used to examine relationships between categorical variables. PARTICIPANTS Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants working within 2100 randomly selected Australian community pharmacies. RESULTS The overall response rate was 58.5% (644/1100) for the pharmacist cohort and 28% (280/1000) for the pharmacy assistant cohort. This represents pharmacy staff responses from 803 community pharmacies across Australia (approximately 14.6%, 803/5500 of community pharmacies nationally). Overall, the majority of pharmacists (80.2%; 516/644) and pharmacy assistants (83.6%; 234/280) reported providing oral health advice/consultations to health consumers up to five times each week. More than half of community pharmacists and pharmacy assistants were involved in identifying signs and symptoms for oral health problems; and the majority believed health consumers were receptive to receiving oral health advice. Additionally, more than 80% of pharmacists and 60% of pharmacy assistants viewed extended oral healthcare roles positively and supported integrating them within their workplace; extended roles include provision of prevention, early intervention and referral to oral healthcare services. The most commonly reported barriers to enhance pharmacy staff involvement in oral healthcare within Australian community pharmacies include lack of knowledge, ongoing training and resources to assist practice. CONCLUSION This study highlights that Australian pharmacists have an important role in oral health and provides evidence supporting the need for growing partnerships/collaborations between pharmacy and dental healthcare professionals and organisations to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based resources, interventions and services to deliver improved and responsive oral healthcare within Australian communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nabilah Abdullah
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pauline J Ford
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Meng-Wong Taing
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Heaton LJ, Swigart K, McNelis G, Milgrom P, Downing DF. Oral health in patients taking psychotropic medications: Results from a pharmacy-based pilot study. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2016; 56:412-417.e1. [PMID: 27263421 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals with mental illness face an increased risk of oral disease compared with those without mental illness. The goals of this study were to examine the self-reported oral health and dental access of individuals filling psychotropic medication prescriptions and to determine whether pharmacy patients would choose to speak with a pharmacist about their oral health if given the option to do so. DESIGN Pharmacists across 6 community pharmacies within a local chain identified and surveyed adult patients filling prescriptions for psychotropic medications. Surveys included questions about oral health, dry mouth, and dental care utilization. SETTING Six community pharmacy locations. PARTICIPANTS Adults (≥18 years of age) filling prescriptions for psychotropic medications. INTERVENTION Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported oral health, dental utilization, desire to discuss oral health with a pharmacist. RESULTS Participants (N = 178) filling prescriptions were mostly (65.9%) female with a mean age of 48.2 years (SD 14.3, range 19-82 years). One in 4 (24.9%) said their mouths "always" or "frequently" felt dry; these individuals were significantly more likely to have last seen a dentist for emergency (rather than routine) treatment (P <0.01) and rated their oral health as significantly worse (P <0.001) than participants whose mouths "never" or "occasionally" feel dry. A small percentage (5.7%) requested to speak with pharmacists about oral health; they reported poorer oral health than those who opted not to speak with a pharmacist (P <0.05). CONCLUSION One in 4 patients reported having dry mouth, and those with dry mouth reported significantly worse oral health than patients without dry mouth. Although dry mouth and poor oral health were common in this sample of individuals taking psychotropic medications, this did not consistently translate into seeking information regarding oral health. Future research will focus on pharmacist-initiated oral health interventions with high-risk patients.
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Baseer MA, Mehkari MA, Al-Marek FAF, Bajahzar OA. Oral health knowledge, attitude, and self-care practices among pharmacists in Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent 2016; 6:134-41. [PMID: 27114953 PMCID: PMC4820573 DOI: 10.4103/2231-0762.178739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Identifying and addressing gaps in the oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices of pharmacists is important before they can be considered as a member of the oral health promotion team. The aim of this study was to determine the prevailing oral health knowledge, attitude, and self-care practices among a sample of pharmacists from Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study involving 200 pharmacists working in community- and hospital-based pharmacies was conducted using a structured, self-administered, close-ended questionnaire. The responses were collected and descriptive statistics of the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and self-care practices were calculated. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare the different groups. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the association among knowledge-attitude, knowledge-practice, and attitude-practice. RESULTS Overall, the mean scores of oral health knowledge, attitude, and self-care practices were found to be 5.27 ± 1.05, 3.89 ± 0.83, and 2.1 ± 0.61, respectively. Male non-Saudi pharmacists working in chain pharmacies, having 11-15 years of experience with a Master's degree qualification showed significantly higher mean knowledge and practices scores as compared to their counterparts. Spearman's correlation tests revealed a significant positive correlation of knowledge-practice (r = 0.262, P < 0.01), whereas knowledge-attitude (r = -0.149, P < 0.05) as well as attitudes-practices (r = -0.196, P < 0.01) were negatively correlated. CONCLUSION Pharmacists exhibited an average knowledge, negative attitude, and inadequate self-care practices toward oral health. However, increasing oral health knowledge can have profound improvement in oral self-care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Omar Ahmad Bajahzar
- Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Riyadh Colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Taing MW, Ford PJ, Gartner CE, Freeman CR. Describing the role of Australian community pharmacists in oral healthcare. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2016; 24:237-46. [PMID: 26809378 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate community pharmacist's attitudes, beliefs and practices towards oral health in the Australian setting, describe the frequency and nature of consumer enquiries relating to oral health, and gain insight regarding smoking cessation support for people experiencing oral health problems. METHODS An online questionnaire was developed based on previous research, validated to ensure accuracy and reliability, and convenience sampling used to advertise across major pharmacy organisational websites and newsletters to maximise community pharmacist responses. KEY FINDINGS One hundred and forty-four valid community pharmacist responses were descriptively analysed. The majority of pharmacists (93%) believed it was their role to deliver oral health advice in the community and almost all (97%) pharmacists believed further education would benefit their practice. The top four consumer enquiries pharmacists reported confidence in handling related to analgesic medication to relieve oral-related pain (95.8%), mouth ulcers (95.1%), oral thrush (94.4%) and toothache (93.8%); and the most frequently reported consumer enquires were those where the majority of pharmacists reported high confidence in handling. A small proportion of pharmacists (8%) always enquired about patient smoking status, and nearly all pharmacists (97%) desired further education and training to benefit their practice in oral healthcare. CONCLUSION This study highlights that Australian pharmacists have an important role in oral health and there is opportunity to enhance this role, and address risk factors such as smoking with further training, support and education. The findings from this study can guide future research into the development of appropriate training programmes, standards, and best oral healthcare practices for Australian pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Wong Taing
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pauline J Ford
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Coral E Gartner
- School of Public Health and UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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