Knowledge Attitude and Practices in Community Health Programs by the Pharmacists in Lahore, Pakistan
Rehan Ahmad Khan Sherwani
College of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Maria Aslam
Department of Statistics, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Sajjad Ali Gill
*
Department of Sports Sciences & Physical Education, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Farooq
Department of Sports Sciences & Physical Education, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Sana Saeed
College of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Amna Younas
College of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Hira Shahid
Department of Statistics, Govt. College University Lahore, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: A public health program intends to improve the health care services in society to lessen the disease burden particularly in the case of non-infectious diseases. This research work investigates the knowledge, practice, and attitude of pharmacists in community health programs offered by the government concerning their demographic associates.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey from 75 registered pharmacists is conducted in Lahore, Pakistan to explore the role of pharmacists in public health programs by using a self-administered questionnaire from January 01, 2021, to January 15, 2021. The collected data is analyzed through frequencies, percentages, and a chi-square test of association.
Results: Most of the pharmacists were in favor that the disease burden can be reduced by indulging pharmacists in public health programs. Many pharmacists already working on public health issues were screening of the blood glucose, blood pressure, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking cessation.
Conclusion: Like many other countries, Pakistan may also effectively accomplish its public health goals by offering training to the pharmacists and retaining them in public health programs at the pharmacy level.
Keywords: Pharmacists, general public, public health, KAP, public health program