Khaled Mohammed Alakhali;
Dr Khaled Mohammad Ahmad Alakhali PhD Clinical Pharmacy Republic of Yemen Thamar University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Pharmacy Department)
Ali Salman Alshami;
1 Department of Pharmacy, Medical school in Thamar University, Republic of Yemen. 2 Lebanese International University, School of Pharmacy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Republic of Yemen.
Abdullah Ahmed. Al-dahbali;
1 Lebanese International University, School of Pharmacy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Republic of Yemen. 2 Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy in Sanaa University, Yemen Republic.
Yaser Al-Worafi;
1 College of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen 2 College of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology of Fujairah, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Khairyani Binti Khalid;
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sakran Faiz Khaled Mohammed
Lebanese International University, School of Pharmacy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Republic of Yemen.

Last modified: 2024-08-02

Abstract


Objectives: To look into community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives about prescribing complementary supplements and/or non-prescription medications to overweight and obese patients to assist them lose weight.

Method: 207 registered pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, participated in a cross-sectional, descriptive investigation with a self-administered questionnaire.

Key findings: Although 88.4% of respondents had a good level of awareness about Weight Management Products and their practices, the majority of them had mixed opinions (neutral attitude, 52.1%; answers, 59.9%) about the safety and efficacy of these items. There was a minor, negative association between knowledge and attitude (r = -0.125, n = 207, p = 0.038) and an intermediate, positive link between attitude and reaction. (r = 0.347, n = 207, p = 0.000).

Conclusions: Community pharmacists, since they can readily be found, play a crucial part in ensuring that whatever items are proposed for clients are suitable, efficient, and safe. Community pharmacists' understanding and attitudes toward the use of non-prescription drugs and supplements to lose weight must be raised and improved to ensure they are well-equipped to serve the community safely and appropriately.

Keywords; Community pharmacist, Kuala Lumpur,  OTC, supplements, weight loss products.


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