scholarly journals Pharmacists as Immunizers in Lebanon: A National Survey of Community Pharmacists’ Willingness and Readiness to Administer Adult Immunization

Author(s):  
Dalal Youssef ◽  
Linda Abou Abbas ◽  
Suzan Farhat ◽  
Hamad Hassan

Abstract Background: Since the focus of healthcare has shifted toward prevention, pharmacists were highly encouraged to expand their practice to include immunization services. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of community-based Lebanese pharmacists, in addition to their willingness to expand their practice scope to include vaccine administration. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the phase preceding the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Lebanon between 1st and 31st December 2020. Data were collected from Lebanese pharmacists through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical experience, willingness to administer vaccines, knowledge about vaccination, attitudes towards immunization, reasons supporting utilizing pharmacists as immunizers and the requested elements to incorporate immunization in pharmacists’ practice scope. Knowledge and attitude scores were computed. Participants’ overall knowledge and overall attitude were categorized using modified Bloom’s cut-off point as good if the score was equal or more than 60%, and poor if the score was less than 60%.Results: A total of 412 community pharmacists participated in this survey. Of the total, 66.5% of the surveyed community pharmacists are willing to administer vaccines. The majority of surveyed pharmacists (96.1%) had an overall good level. Out of all, 92.7% showed a positive overall attitude score toward immunization, 95.4% agreed that community pharmacists can play an important role in advertising and promoting vaccination. The main needed elements for implementing immunization services in pharmacies listed by participants were: support of health authorities (99.3%), statutory allowance (82.8%), patient demand (95.4%), pharmacist’s interest (96.1%) and continuous education and training workshops on immunization. Conclusion: Most of Lebanese community pharmacists are willing to offer immunizations. However, before any statutory reform targeting the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice to include provision of immunizations, it is important to consider education and training as a fundamental part of the process.

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalal Youssef ◽  
Linda Abou-Abbas ◽  
Suzan Farhat ◽  
Hamad Hassan

Abstract Background Since the focus of healthcare has shifted toward prevention, pharmacists were highly encouraged to expand their practice to include immunization services. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of community-based Lebanese pharmacists, in addition to their willingness to expand their practice scope to include vaccine administration. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during the phase preceding the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Lebanon between 1 and 31st December 2020. Using a stratified random sampling method, data were collected from Lebanese community pharmacists (CPs) through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical experience, willingness to administer vaccines, knowledge about vaccination, attitudes towards immunization, reasons supporting utilizing pharmacists as immunizers and the requested elements to incorporate immunization in pharmacists’ practice scope. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with knowledge. Results A total of 412 community pharmacists participated in this survey. Of the total, 66.5% of the surveyed CPs are willing to administer vaccines. The majority of them (89.8%) had an overall good level. Out of all, 92.7% showed a positive overall attitude score toward immunization, 95.4% agreed that community pharmacists can play an important role in advertising and promoting vaccination. The main needed elements for implementing immunization services in pharmacies listed by participants were: support of health authorities (99.3%), statutory allowance (82.8%), patient demand (95.4%), pharmacist’s interest (96.1%) and continuous education and training workshops on immunization. Older CPs (50 years and above) [aOR = 0.703, CI 95% (0.598–0.812)] and those working in Bekaa and North have lower knowledge score than their counterparts. High educational level [aOR = 1.891, CI 95% (1.598–2.019)], previous experience in immunization [aOR = 3.123, CI 95% (2.652–4.161)] and working in urban areas [aOR = 3.640, CI 95% (2.544–4.717)] were positively associated with a good knowledge level. Conclusion Most of Lebanese community pharmacists are willing to offer immunizations. The expansion of the pharmacists practice scope to include provision of immunizations required a national plan that encompasses strengthening knowledge, training, certification for eligibility to administer vaccines, enhancing pharmacovigilance and statutory reform.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 597-602
Author(s):  
Ayman Bakr ◽  
◽  
Sarah Alhamyani ◽  
Raghad Alqurashi ◽  
Amal Alnemari ◽  
...  

In the last few years there have been a lot of argument and false accusations about vaccination, resulting in decrease the rate of vaccines uptake. Researches has shown that parents vaccines compliance are highly influence by many factors. This study aims to understand the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy and if the parents believe in the existence of the preventable diseases by vaccination? In this context, vaccine hesitancy defined as delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccinations. This was a cross- sectional study conducted across Makkah, Jeddah, and Taif city. An online survey was distributed in period between 1 September – 1 November targeting Saudi parents of all children under the age of 12 randomly. The survey included demographics data, parental knowledge and attitude, vaccine hesitancy prevalence. The sample size was 384. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the association between knowledge and awareness to vaccines uptake. Analysis of the responses demonstrate that 93.6% of the sample study favor of vaccines, 6.1% of the sample study not favor of vaccines because they dont have adequate knowledge on vaccines, 2.5% of them think that vaccines are not important, 3.8% of them think that vaccines can cause harmful effects over its benefits, 1.5% of them have previous bad experience regarding vaccination. We found significant relation between knowledge and attitude score to the education level with level of significance 95% (p-value <0.05).Risingthe society education can help in minimizing the impact of vaccine hesitancy problem.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalal Youssef ◽  
Linda Abou Abbas ◽  
Hamad Hassan

Abstract Background: Several barriers to instigating a pharmacist-run immunization program existed. This survey aims to identify the barriers perceived by Lebanese community pharmacists (CPs) to implementing such a program and the association of these barriers with their willingness to provide immunization services.Methods:A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted over the period of time extending between the 1st of November and the end of December 2020 among Lebanese community pharmacists. The questionnaire included information on their socio-demographic characteristics, willingness to vaccinate and the perceived barriers to the run of immunization service. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24.0. Two logistic regression were conducted, one to identify factors associated with pharmacists high perception of barriers and another one to determine the predictors of the pharmacist’s willingness to vaccinate.Results:Out of the 412 surveyed community pharmacists, 67.48% of them were willing to expand their practice scope to include immunization. The main perceived barriers were the conflict with other professionals, liability, and reimbursements concerns, time for professional development and lack of knowledge of adverse events after immunization. Our results showed that females were more likely to perceive barriers than males (aOR=2.460, 95% CI (1.876:6.909)). However, pharmacists reporting previous experience in immunization (aOR=0.250, 95% CI (0.170:0.586)), working in urban area (aOR=0.451, 95% CI (0.199:0.926)) and having extensive working hours (aOR=0.244, 95% CI (0.05:1.2)) were less likely to perceive barriers. Female pharmacists were less willing to vaccinate (aOR=0.211, 95% CI (0.116:0.383)). However, having less than 40 years old (aOR=2.518, 95% CI (1.236:5.130)), having large experience ((aOR=1.78, 95% CI (1.087 to 2.993)) or previous experience in immunization (aOR=1.702, 95% CI (1.092 to 3.141)), being pharmacy owner (aOR=1.504, 95% CI (1.098:2.103)) and working more than 24 hours per week (aOR=2.622, 95% CI (1.447:4.752) were positively associated to the willingness to vaccinate. Pharmacists who perceived reimbursement (aOR=0.449 with 95% CI (0.264-0.765)), lack of pharmacy space (aOR=0.410 with 95% CI (0.158-1.060)), sharp safety (aOR=0.298 with 95% CI (0.146-0.609)) and insufficient staff (aOR=0.388 with 95% CI (0.190-0.794)) as barriers were less likely to implement pharmacy-run immunization.Conclusion:Addressing the identified barriers driving pharmacist’s lower willingness to vaccinate would be required to fully harness the potential of pharmacists as vaccinators.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e039939
Author(s):  
Sahdia Parveen ◽  
Sarah Jane Smith ◽  
Cara Sass ◽  
Jan R Oyebode ◽  
Andrea Capstick ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to establish the impact of dementia education and training on the knowledge, attitudes and confidence of health and social care staff. The study also aimed to identify the most effective features (content and pedagogical) of dementia education and training.DesignCross-sectional survey study. Data collection occurred in 2017.SettingsHealth and social care staff in the UK including acute care, mental health community care trusts, primary care and care homes.ParticipantsAll health and social care staff who had completed dementia education and training meeting the minimal standards as set by Health Education England, within the past 5 years were invited to participate in an online survey. A total of 668 health and social care staff provided informed consent and completed an online survey, and responses from 553 participants were included in this study. The majority of the respondents were of white British ethnicity (94.4%) and identified as women (88.4%).OutcomesKnowledge, attitude and confidence of health and social care staff.ResultsHierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted. Staff characteristics, education and training content variables and pedagogical factors were found to account for 29% of variance in staff confidence (F=4.13, p<0.001), 22% of variance in attitude (knowledge) (F=3.80, p<001), 18% of the variance in staff knowledge (F=2.77, p<0.01) and 14% of variance in staff comfort (attitude) (F=2.11, p<0.01).ConclusionThe results suggest that dementia education and training has limited impact on health and social care staff learning outcomes. While training content variables were important when attempting to improve staff knowledge, more consideration should be given to pedagogical factors when training is aiming to improve staff attitude and confidence.


Author(s):  
Dnyanesh Limaye ◽  
Gerhard Fortwengel ◽  
Vaidehi Limaye ◽  
Aishwarya Bhasi ◽  
Aditya Dhule ◽  
...  

Background: India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. The Indian epidemic is characterized by low levels in the general population and elevated concentrations among high-risk groups. The present study was planned to determine the awareness of HIV among students from Mumbai University.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among students from Mumbai University, India during May–June 2017. Two hundred and fifty students were approached to participate in the study of which 199 agreed to participate (males: 132; females: 67). Pretested questionnaire was distributed and collected data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.Results: Study participants had high knowledge (86%) and attitude score (87%). There was no significant difference between males and female participants for attitude and knowledge, except for one question regarding knowledge about HIV transmission via breastfeeding to child.Conclusions: Present study showed that there are no misconceptions or negative attitudes regarding HIV among students. A longitudinal study with a larger sample size across India is recommended for further investigation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalal Youssef ◽  
Linda Abou Abbas ◽  
Hamad Hassan

Abstract Background Utilizing community pharmacists (CPs) as immunizers has being adopted in various countries as approach to boost influenza vaccination coverage. Our study aims to explore the Lebanese CPs’ willingness to administer influenza vaccine, and to identify factors associated with this willingness. Methods This is a web-based, cross-sectional study, conducted over 2 months, from the 1st of November to the end of December 2020, among Lebanese CPs. An anonymous, questionnaire using google form was sent electronically to pharmacists. The collected data was analyzed using the statistical software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine factors associated with the willingness of CPs to administer influenza vaccine. Results A total of 412 CPs participated in this survey of which 76.9% are willing to administer influenza vaccines. More than 90% of them had a good overall knowledge score and 88.8% of CPs showed a positive overall attitude score, particularly towards involvement of CPs in influenza vaccine provision. Their willingness to administer vaccine was positively associated with the younger age (aOR = 3.106 with 95% CI (1.597 to 6.040)), higher education level (aOR = 2.022 with 95% CI (1.093 to 3.741)), previous experience in immunization (aOR = 2.725 with 95% CI (1.320 to 5.627)) and urbanicity of pharmacy (aOR = 1.542 with 95% CI(1.219 to 4.627)). Extensive working hours (aOR = 2.341 with 95% CI (1.131 to 4.845)), working in pharmacies that are operating round-the-clock, showing positive attitude towards immunization (aOR = 3.014 with 95% CI (1.872 to 10.422)) and towards provision of influenza vaccines (aOR = 13.721 with 95% CI (13.721 to 38.507)) were also positively associated to this willingness. Conversely, patient privacy (aOR = 0.553 with 95% CI (0.079 to 0.983)), time and cost for professional development (aOR = 0.551 with 95% CI (0.172 to 0.918)), limited patient’s trust (aOR = 0.339 with 95% CI (0.203 to 0.784)), financial remuneration (aOR = 0.182 with 95% CI (0.088 to 0.377)), and requirement of formal certification in vaccine administration (aOR = 0.182 with 95% CI (0.088 to 0.377)) were negatively associated to this willingness. Conclusion Addressing the unearthed concerns related to utilizing CPs as influenza immunizers through a concerted effort is a key to success in any future implementation of vaccination services in pharmacies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Al-Hashemi ◽  
Abdullatif Ashkanani ◽  
Haneen Al-Qattan ◽  
Asmaa Mahmoud ◽  
Majd Al-Kabbani ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives. Attitudes toward students with epilepsy and epilepsy-related knowledge of teachers are crucial for child’s safety in the school. The aim of this study was to evaluate teachers’ knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy.Methods. This cross-sectional study included 824 teachers from 24 randomly selected middle and high schools. Scale of Attitudes Toward Persons with Epilepsy (ATPE) was modified to assess teachers’ knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes toward students with epilepsy.Results. Median knowledge score about epilepsy was 5 (out of 13), while median attitude score was 10 (out of 15). Both knowledge and attitude median scores were significantly higher in senior teachers with longer teaching experience and in respondents who dealt with a person with epilepsy. There was significant association between knowledge score and attitude score (p<0.01). Logistic regression showed that significant variables, independently associated with poor knowledge after adjusting for possible confounders, were not having a family member with epilepsy (p=0.009), unawareness of life circumstances of persons with epilepsy (p=0.048), and a poor attitude score (p<0.001).Conclusion. School teachers in Kuwait have relatively poor knowledge about epilepsy but have positive attitudes toward students with epilepsy. A number of historical and stigmatizing ideas about epilepsy still exist. It is recommended to provide teachers with information about handling seizures in the educational setting through development and implementation of epilepsy education programs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 263-268
Author(s):  
Philby B Menachery ◽  
Judith A Noronha ◽  
Sweety J Fernandes

ABSTRACT Background “Standard Days Method” is a fertility awareness method of family planning that helps to identify the fertile days in a menstrual cycle during which a woman is likely to get pregnant. It is calculated to be 12 days ranging from day 8 through 19 in a menstrual cycle of 26 to 32 days. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude on the “Standard Days Method” of family planning, correlation between knowledge and attitude, and the association between knowledge and attitude with the selected demographic variables. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 540 female students aged 21 to 25 years from selected postgraduate colleges of selected district in Karnataka State of South India. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. Results Majority (94%) of the students surveyed had poor knowledge regarding “Standard Days Method” but majority (54.2%) of them favored the “Standard Days Method”. There was significant weak positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.292, p < 0.001). The knowledge scores and attitude score had significant association with certain demographic variables. Conclusion Awareness program on fertility awareness-based methods of family planning is essential to provide cogent information to young adults, thus empowering them to take wise decisions on planned parenthood. How to cite this article Menachery PB, Noronha JA, Fernandes SJ. Knowledge and Attitude on “Standard Days Method” of Family Planning among Female Postgraduate Students: A Cross-sectional Study. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2017;9(3):263-268.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalina García-Vielma ◽  
Teresa Carolina Villarreal-Benavides ◽  
Mario Ernesto Villarreal-Benavides

BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic has a great impact on the Mexican population. People have different perceptions and reactions to an event of such magnitude. This can be investigated by applying online surveys distributed by social networks that guarantee high response rates and results in short time OBJECTIVE Inquire about knowledge and perception of the COVID 19 pandemic in Mexico METHODS Descriptive and cross-sectional study. The data was collected through an online survey with personal data and general knowledge of virus and disease, economic and social aspects, and news images and related with emotions perceived by the population. Was distributed by social networks Facebook© and WhatsApp© from April 5th-9th, 2020, during phase 2 of pandemic in Mexico. The participation was voluntary, anonymous and confidential. A percentage of all results were determined. RESULTS 2798 responses were analyzed. 99.9% answered the survey. The main data were: age 21-40 years (51%), gender: female (81%), almost 100% recognized the transmission and symptoms of COVID-19. 99% implement washes hands. 74.9% enjoy "good" health status, however, 50% suffer chronic diseases. The predominant state of mind was concern. Conclusion: Social media and online surveys could be an important tool to investigate knowledge and perceptions among the population. Our results could help society in general; health authorities and the media, to know the perceptions and needs of the Mexican population during the pandemic and take preventive measures, especially due to the high percentage of people with chronic diseases that could complicate the prognosis of the disease. CONCLUSIONS The use of online surveys allows quick results to be obtained from the knowledge of a population on a particular topic. In Mexico, the COVID-19 pandemic is a problem perceived with concern. Part of this could be real, due to the country's resources, and the presence of chronic diseases in a large percentage of the Mexican population. On the other hand, there is a large amount of fake news in various media, which increases this. Actions by government and society to reduce these levels of worry and anxiety could save many lives. We consider that the results of this descriptive study could be useful for health authorities, medical personnel, the media and the general population, to know the perception of Mexican inhabitants about COVID-19 and save data on measurements and patterns that can be applied in the future for other disease outbreaks.


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