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Barakat M, Thiab S, Farha RA, Alshweiki AO, Thaher R, Alsughaier A, Malaeb D. An evaluation of pharmacists' general attitudes, knowledge, and phobias regarding medications that include corticosteroids: a cross-sectional study. J Pharm Health Care Sci 2024; 10:8. [PMID: 38303076 PMCID: PMC10832149 DOI: 10.1186/s40780-024-00329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticosteroid-containing medications are widely accessible in various forms, including topical, injectable, and inhaled formulations. Due to uncertain safety profiles, healthcare providers, including pharmacists, often express apprehension when dispensing these drugs. This cross-sectional study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and phobia of Jordanian pharmacists regarding corticosteroid-containing medications. METHODS Conducted through a self-administered online questionnaire. RESULTS the study reveals that dermatological conditions and respiratory disorders are the primary indications for prescribing corticosteroid-containing drugs. The most reported side effects among pharmacists' patients include increased appetite, diabetes, and skin thinning. Pharmacists generally exhibit acceptable knowledge, with a median score of 9.0 out of 11.0 (IQR = 3.0). Over two-thirds of pharmacists (69.9%) achieve a high knowledge score (Bloom's cut-off point ≥ 8.8). However, only 55.7% are aware that corticosteroids may induce mood changes. High phobia scores, particularly concerning increased blood pressure and osteoporosis risks, indicate pharmacist reservations in corticosteroid dispensing. Interestingly, pharmacists in rural areas display lower knowledge scores, while those working outside community pharmacies exhibit lower phobia scores compared to their counterparts in urban areas and community pharmacies, respectively. CONCLUSION Despite generally good knowledge levels, the study underscores high phobia scores among Jordanian pharmacists regarding corticosteroid dispensing, particularly due to concerns about blood pressure elevation and osteoporosis risks. This suggests a potential need for targeted educational interventions and support systems to enhance pharmacist confidence and optimize corticosteroid usage while minimizing associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Samar Thiab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan
| | - Rana Abu Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Anas O Alshweiki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Roa'a Thaher
- Medical Intern, Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad, Qatar
| | | | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, P.O. Box 4184, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Barakat M, Mansour NO, Hassan Elnaem M, Thiab S, Abu Farha R, Sallam M, Said Ali A, Abdelaziz DH. Evaluation of knowledge, experiences, and fear toward prescribing and dispensing corticosteroids among Egyptian healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional study. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101777. [PMID: 37771957 PMCID: PMC10523270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Corticosteroids (CS) are essential drugs in the treatment of several medical conditions. Assuming different roles, physicians and pharmacists play a primary role in prescribing and dispensing these medications to optimize patients' clinical management. The data on assessing knowledge and experience of healthcare professionals toward CS is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and compare knowledge, experience, and fears towards CS among Egyptian physicians and pharmacists. Methods A cross-sectional, self-administrated, validated online questionnaire was used to collect the data from Egyptian healthcare professionals. The questionnaire consisted of four sections with multiple choice questions: sociodemographic (7 questions), knowledge about CS (13 questions), experience with CS prescription/dispensing (5 questions), and fears and preferences toward CS prescription/dispensing (13 questions). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results A total of 600 responses were analyzed in this study. The study sample was almost two-half of healthcare providers: 303 (50.5%) pharmacists and 297 (49.5%) physicians. Pharmacists had marginally higher knowledge scores as compared to those recorded for physicians (11.29 versus 10.16, respectively; P = 0.047). Physicians had more experience choosing corticosteroids in treatment plans based on their experience (51.8% vs 38.5%) and guideline recommendations (72.8% vs 50.9%) than pharmacists. However, pharmacists had more experience dealing with corticosteroid use based on patients' preferences (19.5% vs 4.9%) and showed a broader scope of experiencing side effects of corticosteroids with their patients. The two professions demonstrated high levels of fear, with pharmacists acknowledging significantly lower concerns about CS than physicians (3.72 versus 4.0, respectively; P = 0.003). Conclusion Discrepancies exist among healthcare professionals in knowledge and experience, favoring better scientific knowledge of pharmacists related to corticosteroids. Based on these findings, the interprofessional collaborative efforts would provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that maximizes the benefits of CS while minimizing their risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Noha O. Mansour
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hassan Elnaem
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 ISA, United Kingdom
| | - Samar Thiab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Rana Abu Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Doaa H. Abdelaziz
- Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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Nathan AD, Shankar PR, Sreeramareddy CT. Topical corticosteroid counselling among Malaysian community pharmacists: a qualitative interview study. BMC Prim Care 2023; 24:119. [PMID: 37231354 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are commonly available in community pharmacies and are used in skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis among others. Problems such as overuse, use of potent steroids and steroid phobia have been identified in the use of TCS in the literature. The aim of the study was to obtain community pharmacists (CPs) views regarding factors influencing their counselling of patients about TCS; challenges associated, important problems, the counselling process, shared care with other healthcare professionals, and explore further the findings from the questionnaire-based study. METHODS Seven licensed practicing community pharmacists (from the Klang Valley, Malaysia) were interviewed between 23rd September to 14th November 2021. These were CPs participating in the questionnaire study who agreed to be interviewed. NVIVO 11 software was used for data analysis. Codes and themes were generated and agreed on by the researchers. RESULTS The major themes identified related to the process mentioned of providing information to patients, the issues addressed by CPs during the counselling (including steroid phobia, overuse of TCS, patients asking for a specific preparation by name), less counselling support material, language barriers, lesser knowledge about certain conditions, information sources used by CPs (material provided by Ministry of Health and Malaysian Pharmacists Association, MIMS) and suggestions to strengthen the quality of counselling (specialization in skin diseases, webinars, shared care models). For patients requesting a particular preparation by name, the pharmacist will decide whether the preparation requested is suitable or suggest an alternative. Steroid phobia was seen more commonly among parents of young children and young patients. MIMS was available as a smartphone application making it easier to use. Advanced training for CPs in the management of skin conditions like that provided for diabetes mellitus can be considered. CONCLUSIONS Counselling was conducted while dispensing TCS in the open area of the pharmacy. Challenges to counselling were lack of time, limited counselling materials, and language barriers. Steroid phobia requires attention. Initiatives to strengthen counselling were mentioned by respondents and appear feasible. Further research covering the entire country is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dayang Nathan
- Public Health student, School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pathiyil Ravi Shankar
- IMU Centre for Education, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Nathan AD, Shankar PR, Sreeramareddy CT. Community pharmacists' counseling practices and patient experiences about topical corticosteroids - an online survey in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. BMC Prim Care 2022; 23:263. [PMID: 36243689 PMCID: PMC9569015 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01871-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background Community Pharmacists (CPs) play an important role in patient counseling regarding the use of topical corticosteroids (TCS). We assessed CP’s self-reported counseling practices regarding TCS and patients’ reported counseling experiences. Methods A previously developed questionnaire was adapted to the Malaysian context. A random sample of 364 registered CPs practicing in three states, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya were invited for an online survey. The questionnaire for CPs explored their perceived patient knowledge about topical corticosteroid (TCS) use, their counseling practices, and perceived barriers to counseling. Thirty patients were also selected from five pharmacies i.e., six consecutive patients who consulted each CP were invited to participate in the patient survey by completing a checklist about their experiences regarding the counseling received. Results A majority (> 90%) of the CPs mostly explained to the patients that the medication was TCS and the frequency and duration of application but only 10% correctly identified scenarios needing medical referral. Only about half of the CPs always explained about side effects, strength, efficacy, and storage of TCS. The two main barriers were patients’ negative perception of TCS (65.4%) and pharmacists’ lack of time for counseling (49.7%). Counseling practice score was associated with CPs’ age (aOR 0.86, 95%CI 0.78–0.94), pharmacists’ recommendation on TCS use (aOR 0.11, 95%CI 0.02–0.61), and time spent on counseling (aOR 1.42, 95%CI 1.13–1.64). Patients mentioned they were counselled on the frequency and duration of application of TCS, and potential adverse effects. Most were not counselled on action to take when an adverse event occurs and the storage and use of leftover medication. Conclusion CPs counseling practices to their patient about the use of TCS requires improvement. Continuing education and hands-on training are needed for CPs regarding counseling about TCS use. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01871-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dayang Nathan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Community Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Sudari F, Priskilla I, Febiola M, Sinuraya RK. Strategies to improve the vaccine distribution and community awareness of taking COVID-19 vaccine in rural areas in Indonesia. PHAR 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.69.e81525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has spread worldwide, and several governments, including Indonesia, are actively vaccinating. However, numerous factors may contribute to decreased vaccination administration, including hesitation, a lack of information, and demographic considerations. Therefore, this review provides insights on maximizing vaccine distribution and raising community awareness about COVID-19 vaccination in rural regions with difficulty in transportation access, a lack of health care workers, and limited vaccine storage facilities. It was discovered that numerous potential methods, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), bio-tracking and bio-detect, P-median, and Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP), can monitor vaccination delivery in rural parts of Indonesia. The correct vaccine distribution system can monitor situations during distribution by combining IoT technology with bio-tracking and bio-detect in airborne transportation. Besides enhancing vaccine distribution technologies, healthcare professionals play a critical role in maintaining vaccine quality and improving community awareness of diseases. In particular, as a healthcare professional, a pharmacist has an essential role in ensuring the quality of the vaccine until it is administered to the patient and improving patients’ awareness of COVID-19 and the vaccinations. Pharmacists can collaborate with other healthcare professionals to educate the community to identify important information related to wrong perceptions about COVID-19 and vaccinations.
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Shakeel S, Nesar S, Iffat W, Rehman H, Aziz S, Mumtaz T, Hadi H, Jamshed S. Pharmacists’ Insights and Behaviors in Preventing the Misuse of Topical Corticosteroids in Pakistan: A Mixed-Method Study. Cosmetics 2021; 8:72. [DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics8030072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Topical corticosteroids (TCs) misuse has become a common issue for healthcare professionals and patients, particularly in Pakistan, as no stringent laws or rules are prohibiting the selling of over-the-counter medicines. The present study was designed to examine pharmacists’ insights and behaviors regarding TCs and their potential role in preventing the misuse of TCs in Pakistan. The study was a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design (phase 1, quantitative; and phase 2, qualitative) conducted from January to June 2021. The pharmacists working in various settings in Karachi were approached through different social media platforms. Data were collected through a web link of an online questionnaire with 30 closed-ended questions. Different statistical methods were employed for tabulating the quantitative data, while inductive thematic analysis was directed to classify themes from the qualitative data and to conclude findings. The mean cumulative knowledge score was 10.59 ± 1.63. The community pharmacists knew more about the available over-the-counter TCs (p = 0.041). The experienced pharmacists were more conversant than fresh pharmacists, regarding the mode of action (p = 0.008), choice of TC potency (p = 0.001), and most common local and systemic adverse effects of TCs (p = 0.001). Overall, respondents had a favorable attitude, with more than 80% agreeing that pharmacists could ensure that important safety issues are communicated with patients, and assist considerably in avoiding TC misuse. Analysis of data has produced 7 themes, 10 sub-themes, and 30 categories. Major themes included: use and misuse of TCs, adverse drug events due to TCs, cosmeto-vigilance, patient education, referral to a physician, and future perspectives for preventing TC misuse. The respondents were well versed with the dilemma of TCs misuse, and they considered patient characteristics, free availability of TCs, and lack of physician-pharmacist coordination as the major reasons. The major barriers for patient education stated by nearly all the respondents were a lack of time and lack of material/information for counseling. They emphasized the need for stringent legal strategies and the enforcement of current drug-control regulations, so that TCs are not supplied without appropriate prescriptions. The present findings indicate that pharmacists had appropriate knowledge and a positive attitude towards their potential role in preventing the misuse of TCs. Further education and sensitization in areas of deprived knowledge will undoubtedly aid in the prevention of TCs misuse by the community.
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Koster ES, Philbert D, Zheng X, Moradi N, de Vries TW, Bouvy ML. Reducing corticosteroid phobia in pharmacy staff and parents of children with atopic dermatitis. Int J Clin Pharm 2021; 43:1237-1244. [PMID: 33582952 PMCID: PMC8460576 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-021-01241-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Besides physicians, pharmacy staff has an important role to inform patients on appropriate medication use. However, they might also experience corticophobia themselves, affecting patient counseling and subsequently patient’s disease management. Objective Implementation of an intervention for pharmacy staff to improve knowledge and stimulate positive perceptions towards TCS use, in order to reduce corticophobia in pharmacy staff and parents of young AD patients. Setting Nine community pharmacies in the Netherlands. Method We developed an intervention consisting of education of pharmacy staff followed by counseling of parents. The intervention was implemented in pharmacies and intervention effectiveness was studied using a pre-post design with an intervention period of 3 months. At baseline and follow-up (3 months), pharmacy staff and parents completed a questionnaire. Main outcome measure Corticophobia, both beliefs and worries, measured with the TOPICOP questionnaire. Higher scores indicate a more negative attitude. Result Baseline and follow-up data were available for 19 pharmacy staff members and 48 parents who attended a counseling session in the pharmacy. In both groups there was as decrease in negative beliefs and worries towards TCS (p < 0.05). Mean total TOPICOP scores decreased from 42 to 35% and from 33 to 25% for parents and pharmacy staff respectively. Conclusion Our results show the prevalence of corticophobia among parents. Education of pharmacy staff and targeted patient counseling seems to be effective in reducing corticophobia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen S Koster
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Daphne Philbert
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xiang Zheng
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nila Moradi
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tjalling W de Vries
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Centre Leeuwarden (MCL), Henri Dunantweg 2, 8934 AD, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel L Bouvy
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Druică E, Băicuș C, Ianole-Călin R, Fischer R. Information or Habit: What Health Policy Makers Should Know about the Drivers of Self-Medication among Romanians. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:E689. [PMID: 33466957 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We use the Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices framework to analyze determinants of three types of self-medication practices in Romania: (1) self-medication in the case of cold/flu/viral infections; (2) taking non-prescribed medicine in general; and (3) self-medication based on recommendations by others. We analyzed 706 responses to an online survey and used a factor-based Partial Least Squares algorithm (PLSF) to estimate the relationships between each type of self-medication and possible predictors. Our results show that self–medication is strongly predicted by non-cognitive behavioral factors such as habits and similarity of symptoms, while cognitive determinants such as knowledge and understanding of potential risks are not significantly associated with self-medication behaviors. This paper identifies nonlinear relationships among self-medication practices and its predictors and discusses how our results can help policymakers calibrate interventions with better accuracy.
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