Knowledge, attitude, and the practice of community pharmacists to dispense opioid-related and opioid-containing medication in eastern province, Saudi Arabia
- Vol.15(3), Jul-Aug
- Mumbai Wolter Kluwer 2023
- 152-157p.
This study was done to evaluate the knowledge of community pharmacists—working in Saudi Arabia—regarding over-the-counter opioid-related and opioid-containing medications. Materials and Methods:
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire that was distributed through social media and taken to the community pharmacists in person. A total of 101 responders were reached in a period of around 3 weeks. Results:
Most of the pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia are non-Saudi (85.15%), males (88.12%), and the majority are holders of bachelor’s degrees (85.15%). More than half of the participants spend a considerably sufficient time with the patient 6–10 minutes (60.4%). The availability of a private counseling room in community pharmacies is significantly low (21.78%). Only (69.41%) of participants always counsel the patient before dispensing opioid-related medications. Most of the participants (84.76%) believe that all over-the-counter opioid-related and opioid-containing medications should be restricted to avoid drug abuse. Conclusion:
A little neglect from pharmacists’ side regarding dispensing such medications was observed; thus, there is a significant need to raise their awareness regarding over-the-counter opioid abuse.