| Palestinian pharmacists’ knowledge of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people: a cross-sectional study |
Ramzi Shawahna1,2,3,* 
, Mais Khaskiyyi3
, Hadeel Abdo3
, Yasmen Msarwe3
, Rania Odeh3
, Souad Salame3
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1Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
2An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
3Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine |
Correspondence
Ramzi Shawahna ,Email: ramzi_shawahna@hotmail.com
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Editor:
Sun Huh, Hallym University, Korea |
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Submitted: March 16, 2017 Accepted after revision: April 24, 2017 |
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| Abstract |
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of pharmacists practicing in Palestine of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people.
Method:
The study was conducted with a cross-sectional observational design using a questionnaire. A total of 400 pharmacists responded to a 19-statement knowledge test related to the use of psychotropic medications in older people. The study was conducted from July 2016 to February 2017. The reliability and internal consistency of the study tool was assessed using the test-retest method and the Cronbach alpha. Categorical groups were compared using the chi-square test and the Spearman rank correlation.
Results:
On the 19-statement knowledge test, the median score was 55.3% with an interquartile range of 21.9%. In a comparison of the demographic and practice-related variables of the pharmacists who scored ≥ 50% on the 19-statement knowledge test with those who scored < 50%, age, gender, and having taken a course on psychotropic medications were found to be significantly associated with performance, as shown by the chi-square test and Spearman correlation.
Conclusion:
Pharmacists practicing in Palestine possess less than optimal knowledge of issues related to the use of psychotropic medications in older people. Continuing educational interventions and/or training might be helpful in improving pharmacists’ knowledge of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people. |
| Keywords:
Cross-sectional studies; Geriatrics; Knowledge; Pharmacists; Psychotropic drugs |
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