Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Dispensing of Antibiotics and Over the Counter Drugs among Community Pharmacists in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Ranakishor Pelluri, Monikasurya Thummapudi, Harika Paritala, Thota Sai Kiran Kumar, Raziya Sulthana, Chinta Indu Radha, Madhuri Chandu, Sai Susmitha Rebba, Amrutha Kara, Geethika Rayapati, Prudhvi Sai Velavarthipati, Sruthi Doddapaneni, Srinivasababu Puttagunta
Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 15, Issue 4, pp. 269-275, (2022)
Abstract
Aim:To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) concerning dispensing pattern of antibiotics and OTC medication among the retail dispersers in community pharmacies.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed from March 2021 to August 2021. Simulated patient (SP) based face-to-face interviews were conducted with validated structured questionnaires.Results:During our interview, we noticed only 60% of registered pharmacists (RPs) and 40% of non-RPs were working in community pharmacies. Among the RPs, 35 were D.Pharm and 62 were B.Pharm graduates. The average correct answer to antibiotic questionnaires provided by dispensers with D.Pharm (39.2%), B.Pharm (47.7%) and Non-Pharmacists (38.4%). Among the respondents, the KAP against antibiotic questionnaires No. 1 and 4 are statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly, 44.5% of D.Pharm, 56.6% of B.Pharm and 42.2% of Non-Pharmacists responded to OTC questionnaires. The OTC questionnaire No. 1,4 and 7 are not statistically significant (p>0.05) among responders.Conclusion:In our findings, 40% of non-Pharmacists were running the pharmacies. On an average, they have less than 50% of KAP towards antibiotics and OTC medications among pharmacists and non-pharmacists. To overcome this, pharmacists should undergo need continual professional development programs and non-pharmacist must require a formal pharmacy education.
Keywords: Over-the-counter, Pharmacy Practice, Simulated patient, Self-medication, South India
