Knowledge, perceptions and practices of pharmacists regarding generic substitution in China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo evaluate pharmacists’ knowledge, perceptions and practices towards generic substitution in the 11 pilot locations in China.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey using questionnaires was conducted. A convenience sampling technique was implemented to recruit pharmacists.Setting and participantsThe study took place in medical institutions of 11 pilot locations that participated in the pilot national centralised procurement programme in 2019. Two thousand two hundred and ninety-one pharmacists including hospital pharmacists or community pharmacists based on health-systems or clinics participated in the study.ResultsMost of the participants had the good knowledge of requirements for evaluating the quality and efficacy of generic drugs (n=2118; 92.4%), and the definition of generic drugs (n=2078; 90.7%). In terms of perceptions, 67.3% of respondents were of the opinion that generic drugs are equally as effective as the brand-name drugs, and 69.0% of respondents were of the opinion that generic drugs are as safe as brand equivalents. A high percentage of participants supported the policy of generic substitution (n=1634; 71.4%). A significant positive correlation was demonstrated between total knowledge score and total perception score (ρ=0.267; p<0.001). Efficacy, safety and the direction of national policies and hospital regulations were the main factors affecting pharmacists’ willingness to dispense generic drugs.ConclusionsThe study identified gaps in respondents’ knowledge and perceptions of generic substitution. Pharmacists who are more knowledgeable in generic drugs tend to hold a more supportive attitude towards generic substitution. Although it appeared that pharmacists in China have largely accepted generic substitution, they still have concerns regarding the reliability and quality of generic drugs. The current issues need to be addressed for the realisation of the true value of generic drugs as part of the country’s healthcare cost-containment strategy as well as the implementation of generic substitution policy in China.

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Hand Hygiene Knowledge, Perception, and Practices among Domestic Visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Al Madinah City Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020673 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 673

Author(s):

Hashim A. Mahdi ◽

Hamza M. Assaggaf ◽

Mohammad Alfelali ◽

Omar B. Ahmed ◽

Radi Alsafi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Graduate Education ◽

Formal Education ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

This study aimed to assess hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practices of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Al Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. Using a self-administered electronic questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among domestic residents, who visited the mosque between 31 July and 3 August 2020. Participants’ demographic data, hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practices were collected. Four hundred participants aged 18–65 (median 36) years completed the survey, of which 215 (53.8%) were female. The visitors’ mean knowledge score about hand hygiene was 6.4 (± standard deviation (SD) 1.35) of total 12. Most participants (392, 98%) were aware of the role of hand hygiene in preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); nevertheless, 384 (96%) said hand hygiene lowers body immunity and 316 (79%) thought <60% alcohol is sufficient for hand disinfection. Males had a higher knowledge score than females (6.46 (±1.41) vs. 6.14 (±1.27), p = 0.02) and, visitors who had no formal education scored higher than those with post-graduate education (6.88 (±1.45) vs 5.73 (±1.12), p = 0.01). Washing hands with soap and water was the predominant method practiced after a meal (365, 91.7%), after toilet visit (354, 88.5%), after touching a surface (262, 65.7%), after waste disposal (332, 83.2%), and when hands were visibly dirty (357, 89.5%). Al Madinah visitors had moderate knowledge about hand hygiene, but demonstrated some knowledge gaps and negligence in practice that are crucial to curb the spread of COVID-19.

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A cross sectional study on defective vision among secondary school going children in Vijayawada city, Andhra Pradesh

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20183585 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (9) ◽

pp. 3995

Author(s):

Chinta Durga Kumar ◽

Venkata Suresh Anga

Keyword(s):

Secondary School ◽

School Children ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Refractive Errors ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Learning Capability ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Defective Vision

Background: Eye is one of the most vital organs of human body. Any abnormality in the eye can impair vision and make the person handicapped for life. The school children form a special group because they are most vulnerable to the effects of reduced vision and its impact on learning capability and educational potential. The objective of the study was to find out the factors affecting vision of secondary school children, to suggest preventive and remedial measures for defective vision.Methods: It was a cross sectional study. School children of Zilla Parishad secondary high school during November 2016 to December 2016 were studied. A pretested semi structured questionnaire was administered. A total of 320 students were included in the study by using convenient sampling technique. Data was entered in Microsoft excel sheet and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results were expressed as proportions for different study variables.Results: Out of the 320 students, majority 181 (56.56%) of study participants were girls. The highest number of students (49.38%) was between 12-13 years of age group. Prevalence of defective vision is 34%. Family history is present in 29% of the study population. 34% of children with defective vision, it was detected by their mother.Conclusions: Refractive errors are more in girls. Children and parents should be educated regarding ocular hygiene and early correction of refractive errors.

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Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions towards the Misuse and Abuse of Pregabalin: A Cross-Sectional Study from Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9101281 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1281

Author(s):

Sultan M. Alshahrani ◽

Khalid Orayj ◽

Ali M. Alqahtani ◽

Mubarak A. Algahtany

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Male Dominance ◽

Community Pharmacies ◽

First Line ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

First Line Therapy ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Pregabalin is a first-line therapy for neuropathic pain and for chronic pain. It has abuse potential. This study was conducted to assess community pharmacists’ perceptions towards pregabalin abuse and misuse in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, and identify predictors and associated factors. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire following a self-administrative study was conducted across community pharmacies in the Aseer region (Abha, Khamis Mushait, Mahayel, Sarat Abeeda, Ahad-Rufaida, and Bishah). A total of 206 respondents from community pharmacists participated in the study. Over the last six months, 136 respondents (66.0%) suspected pregabalin abuse in community pharmacies; male dominance in pregabalin abusers was also recorded (n = 165, 80.1%). Additionally, 40 (19.4%) respondents stated that a prescription was not issued for pregabalin demands. Over half (61.7%) of community pharmacists recorded an increased change in pregabalin abuse compared to the previous year. This is the first study to explore pharmacists’ perceptions in the community of the Aseer region towards customers’ misuse and abuse of pregabalin. Further monitoring and regulations on the prescribing and procurement of pregabalin are needed to avoid abuse.

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Prescribing practices using WHO prescribing indicators and factors associated with antibiotic prescribing in six community pharmacies in Asmara, Eritrea: a cross-sectional study

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control ◽

10.1186/s13756-019-0620-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Nebyu Daniel Amaha ◽

Dawit G. Weldemariam ◽

Nuru Abdu ◽

Eyasu H. Tesfamariam

Keyword(s):

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Essential Medicines ◽

Community Pharmacies ◽

Antibiotic Prescribing ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Prescribing Practices ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prescribing Indicators ◽

Factors Affecting

Abstract Background Antibiotics require more prudent prescribing, dispensing and administration than other medicines because these medicines are at a greater risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Studying the current medicine use practices and factors affecting the prescribing of an antibiotic would help decision makers to draft policies that would enable a more rational use of medicines. Methods A prospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the current prescribing practices including antibiotics use in six community pharmacies in Asmara. A total of 600 encounters were reviewed using the WHO core prescribing indicators between May 5 and May 12, 2019 using stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed using IBM SPSS® (version 22). Results The average number of medicines per prescription was 1.76 and 83.14% of the medicines were prescribed using generic names while 98.39% of the medicines were from the National Essential Medicines List (NEML). The percentage of prescriptions containing antibiotics was 53%. The number of encounters containing injections was 7.8%. Patient age, gender and number of medicines prescribed were significantly associated with antibiotic prescribing at bivariate and multivariable models. Subjects under the age of 15 were approximately three times more likely to be prescribed antibiotic compared to subjects whose age is 65 and above (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.93, 95%CI: 1.71–5). Similarly, males were more likely to be prescribed antibiotic than females (AOR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.10–2.24). Subjects to whom three to four medicines prescribed were two times more likely to be prescribed an antibiotic compared to those who were to be prescribed one to two medicines per encounter (AOR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.35–3.5). A one-unit increase in the number of medicines increased the odds of antibiotic prescribing increased by 2.02 units (COR: 2.02; 95%CI: 1.62–2.52). Conclusions This study found that the percentage of antibiotics being prescribed at the community pharmacies in Asmara was 53% which deviated significantly from the WHO recommended values (20–26.8%). Furthermore, the percentage of encounters with an injection was 7.8% lower than the WHO value of 13.4–24.0%. Patients’ age, gender and number of medicines were significantly associated with antibiotic prescribing.

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Knowledge of Women on Early Symptoms of Cancer in Rural and Urban Areas of Mangalore

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1703546 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 02 (01) ◽

pp. 03-07

Author(s):

Sonia Jacob ◽

Fatima D'Silva

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Rural Women ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Urban Women ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Early Symptoms

AbstractA descriptive cross sectional survey design was adopted for the study to assess and compare the level of knowledge of women on early symptoms of cancer. The sample consisted of 200 women, 100 from urban area of Jeppu and 100 from rural area of Natekal PHC. Stratified Sampling technique was used for selection of the samples. The data was collected by a demographic pro forma and a knowledge questionnaire which consisted of 23 multiple choice and 11 dichotomous (Yes/No) questions.Reliability of the tool was assessed using split half method and the reliability coefficient was found to be 0.9.Though the overall knowledge score of urban women was comparatively higher (38.26) than their rural counterparts (34.79), It was encouraging to note that rural women (53.6%) had better knowledge regarding risk factors and etiology of cancer when compared to urban women (51.02%).In India cancer related mortality is very high due to lack of awareness of the early symptoms leading to delayed screening and increased exposure rate of the risk factors. Nurses play a significant role in the disease prevention and health promotion of patients with cancer. Educational programs on healthful living with cost effective and motivating teaching strategies can be undertaken for the community so as to curb the mortality and morbidity associated with cancer

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Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices of community pharmacists about generic medicine in Nigeria

Journal of Generic Medicines The Business Journal for the Generic Medicines Sector ◽

10.1177/1741134320962843 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 174113432096284

Author(s):

Kanayo P Osemene ◽

Maduabuchi R Ihekoronye ◽

Adebayo Lamikanra

Keyword(s):

Community Pharmacists ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Generic Medicine ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Generic Medicines ◽

Continuous Training ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Southwestern Nigeria ◽

Cross Sectional

Background Although generic medicines are used extensively in Nigeria information from community pharmacists about these drugs are scanty and therefore inadequate. This is why this study has been designed to bridge the knowledge gap, attitudes, as well as the perception and practice of community pharmacists about generic medicines in Nigeria. Method A questionnaire-guided cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 380 community pharmacists who were randomly selected from community pharmacies between April and June 2019 in Southwestern Nigeria. Data generated in the course of this study was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Chi-square was used to test proportions and to determine associations between categorical variables. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was used to determine correlation between dependent variables. Result Mean knowledge score of community pharmacists about generic medicines(GM) was 5.6 ± 2.9 out of a total maximum score of 10. Results showed that 47.9% of respondents had poor knowledge, 27.6% average knowledge and 24.5% good knowledge about GM. Knowledge was significantly associated (p = .000) with all demographic characteristics except professional qualifications. A majority (89%) of the respondents were of the view that patients need more explanations when GMs are dispensed to them. In addition, 90.3% of the respondents were of the opinion that GM will improve access to medicine because they are cheaper and easily affordable. About 93% practice generic substitution without consulting prescribing physicians. Furthermore, 85% of the respondents claim they stock mainly GMs. Conclusion Community pharmacists in Nigeria had a positive attitude, perception and practice about GM, but exhibited sub-optimal knowledge in understanding issues concerning generic medicines. It is concluded that there is the need for continuous training and education to enhance professional knowledge of pharmacists in the area of GM substitution.

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Analisis Faktor Keteraturan Ibu dalam Menimbang Balita di Posyandu

Journal of Health and Behavioral Science ◽

10.35508/jhbs.v1i3.2094 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Florani Asanab ◽

Ribka Limbu ◽

Enjelita M. Ndoen

Keyword(s):

Health Workers ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Under Five ◽

Under Five Children ◽

Chi Square Test

Mothers’ regularity of weighing their children aged <5 yo at Posyandu is crucial to monitor the growth, nutritional status, and health of the children. Several factors could affect mothers’ regularity in weighing their children at Posyandu. This study aimed to identify factors affecting mothers to regularly measure the weight of their children <5 yo at Posyandu in Toobaun Village Kupang District. The study used an analytical survey with a cross-sectional study design. The sample was 57 mothers who had under-five children obtained by simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using questionnaires and analyzed using the chi-square test. The result showed that knowledge (p= 0,002) and distance home-posyandu (p=0,000) associated with mothers’ regularity of weighing their under-five children, while mother’s occupation had no association with mothers’ regularity of weighing their children( p=0,091). Health workers should encourage mothers to measure regularly the weight of their under-five children at Posyandu.

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SOCIAL DETERMINANT OF STUNTING AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN

Jurnal Kebidanan ◽

10.26714/jk.7.2.2018.95-102 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 95

Author(s):

Sari Priyanti ◽

Agustin Dwi Syalfina

Keyword(s):

Family Income ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Social Determinant ◽

Regression Result ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Under Five

Stunting is condition of nutritional status based on length for age or height for age with Z-score value that equal to or less than minus two standard deviation (-2 SD). Therefore, the purpose this study to analyze the factors affecting of stunting. This cross sectional study done in Dlanggu primary health care. Sample taken with simple random sampling technique amounted to 88 respondents. Colectting data with check list and questionnaire or analyze with chi square and logistic regression. Result of bivariat shows length of born (PR=1,676; 95%CI=1,060-2,651), family income (PR=2,333; 95%CI=1,297-4,199), size of upper arm circumfence of the mother (PR=2,288; 95%CI=1,492-3,508), and complication of pregnant (PR=2,154; 95%CI=1,297-3,578) was risk factor of the stunting in children under five years. The most factor has influenced of stunting based on multivariate thas education of mother, family income and complication of pregnant. Prevention of stunting with successful movement of the first 1000 days of life through improved mutrition of pregnant, given exclusive breast feeding and balanced nutrition in the family.

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Knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in higher secondary school

Journal of Chitwan Medical College ◽

10.3126/jcmc.v7i3.23692 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 35-41

Author(s):

Kopila Shrestha ◽

Shanti Awale

Keyword(s):

Standard Deviation ◽

Reproductive Health ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Knowledge

Background: Adolescent reproductive health is one of the component of the reproductive health. It is most important issue in the world. Reproductive capability is taking place at an earlier age and adolescents are indulging in risk taking behaviors day by day. The objective of this study is to assess knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health among adolescents. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Kathmandu valley to assess the knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health among adolescents. Total of 200 respondents were selected through non-probability purposive sampling technique. Self-administered written questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics such as Chi-square test. Results: The findings revealed that most of the respondents had knowledge regarding transmission and protection of HIV/AIDS and STIs but still some respondents had misconception regarding it. The statistical analysis revealed that the total mean knowledge score with standard deviation was 45.02±8.674. Nearly half of the respondents (49.5%) had moderate level of knowledge, followed by inadequate level of knowledge 29.5% and adequate level of knowledge 21.0% regarding sexual and reproductive health. There was statistically significant association of level of knowledge with area of residence (p-value 0.002). Conclusion: Nearly half of the respondents possess some knowledge about sexual and reproductive health but still effective educational intervention is required to increase their knowledge.

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LEVETIRACETAM USE, AVAILABILITY AND KNOWLEDGE OF TOXICITY AMONG EPILEPTIC PATIENTS AND THEIR CARE GIVERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN KING SALMAN ARMED FORCES HOSPITAL TABUK SAUDI ARABIA

10.36106/ijsr/9731991 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Olayan Alatawi ◽

Faisal Alzahrani ◽

Nasrin S Saiyed

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Side Effect ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Armed Forces ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Givers ◽

Epileptic Patients ◽

Study Participants

Background: Levetiracetam (Keppra®) is a well-known second-generation anti-epileptic drug (AED). The study was aimed to addresses Levetiracetam use, availability and knowledge of toxicity among epileptic patients and their care givers in King Salman Armed Forces Hospital Tabuk Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in King Salman Armed Forces Hospital (KSAFH) in Tabuk city in Saudi Arabia. The study participants were epileptic patients and their care givers, selected from different outpatient departments using a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using an Arabic self-reported questionnaire consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions to facilitate study participants. Altogether, 381 persons answered the full questionnaire. The data were entered into SPSS version 26.0 for Windows, cleaned and managed before analysis. Results: Participants age ranged from 18 to 63 years, with a mean 29.6 years and standard deviation 5.8 years. 47.0% (n= 179) were male and 53.0% (n= 202) female. Six out of ten participants lived in the urban area (67.7%). Majority of the participants had knowledge about seizures (96.9%). About 31.0% of the participants and/or patients had seizures (epilepsy) since more than 20 years. Nearly 28.0% participants and/or patients had family history of seizures (epilepsy). Majority of the participants had Levetiracetam at home and aware of the correct usage of it. However, about 11% of the participants felt that Levetiracetam is used to help sleep. Eight out of ten of the participants reported “Sleepiness” as the side effect of Levetiracetam (79.3%). Half of the participants reported “Headache” as the side effect of Levetiracetam. About 94.0% of the participants knew that someone could take enough Levetiracetam to harm themselves. Conclusion: The study population used Levetiracetam, they demonstrated basic awareness of Levetiracetam use including the potential consequences of overdosing. Participants' knowledge regarding the toxicity of Levetiracetam is adequate. Special awareness programs for parents of children with epilepsy may be needed to reduce the knowledge gaps in the management of epilepsy and to ensure compliance and optimal therapeutic outcomes.

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