Pharmacists' knowledge, attitude and perception towards prevention and management of diabetes macrovascular complications

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Macrovascular Complications (DMVCs) are reportedly responsible for 65% of deaths among diabetes patients. The possession of appropriate knowledge and attitude/perception towards the prevention and management of DMVCs by healthcare professionals can impact on the care of diabetic patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between December, 2014 and February, 2015, among Pharmacists in Jos metropolis using a self administered questionnaire. Factors associated with Pharmacists' knowledge, attitude and perception regarding prevention and management of DMVCs were assessed.

Results: A total of 147 Pharmacists, mostly males (59%), in the age range of 30-39 years (46.3%), and working in the hospital setting (52%) took part in the survey. Overall, 67% of the respondents had adequate general knowledge of diabetes. The knowledge and attitude regarding prevention and management of DMVCs were poor; (22% & 46% respectively). Appropriate attitude/perception towards prevention and management of DMVCs was significantly associated with the knowledge of DMVCs; p =0.004. Males had a higher knowledge of risk factors compared to females (57.5% versus 35.4%, p =0.01), while the knowledge of prevention and management of DMVCs was significantly higher among hospital and community pharmacists compared to those in industry and academic setting (P =0.03).

Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude/perception regarding the prevention and management of DMVCs was poor among pharmacists in Jos metropolis. Continuous professional education and training interventions to improve Pharmacists' knowledge and attitude/perception towards prevention and management of DMVCs will equip pharmacists to contribute to improving treatment outcomes of diabetic patients.

Keywords: Pharmacists, Diabetes mellitus, Macrovascularcomplications, knowledge, attitude, Perception