Community pharmacists perception and role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease conditions: Evidence from Ghana

Abstract

Background Globally, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading non‐communicable diseases with a high mortality if not detected and managed early. The study assessed community pharmacists' perception and determined their role in CVDs prevention and management. Method A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 103 registered community pharmacists in the Ahafo, Bono and Bono East regions of Ghana. Data was collected using validated questionnaires through an online and in‐person surveys. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and STATA 14.1. Results Community Pharmacists had knowledge on the concept of pharmaceutical care (n = 93, 92.2%). The roles that Pharmacists played in CVD management and control included educating clients on their conditions and drug therapy, checking for possible drug interactions and screening for risk factors. The barriers to CV health promotion were increase of the pharmacist's workload (n = 96, 93.2%), lack of time (n = 91, 88.4%) and lack of CVD educational materials and clinical tools (n = 56, 54.4%). Conclusion Community pharmacists have a positive perception of their role in CVDs and performed various activities to reduce the burden of CVDs. However, cardiovascular health promotion in community pharmacies is hindered by increase of the pharmacist's workload, lack of time and lack of CVD educational materials.

Hospital Pharmacy Professionals and Cardiovascular Care: A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Saudi Arabia

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“…The current study was a questionnaire-based survey. The researchers developed the questionnaire with the help of their extensive prior knowledge in the field and by navigating through existing research literature ( Amadi et al, 2018 , Henneh and Teg-Nefaah Tabong, 2022 ). We performed a pilot investigation to estimate the level of internal consistency and a field pretest was carried out to anticipate the validity of the questionnaire.…”

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