Show simple item record

AuthorEl Hajj, Maguy Saffouh
AuthorEL-Ajez, Reem Hasan
AuthorAl-Ismail, Muna Said Mohd
AuthorSawaftah, Diaa Mujahed
Available date2024-05-28T04:59:11Z
Publication Date2012
Publication NameInternational Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
ResourceScopus
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11096-012-9687-2
ISSN22107703
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/55555
AbstractBackground In Qatar, home diagnostic tests are available over the counter in community pharmacies. While possibly beneficial, these tests have the potential for harm if they are used in the absence of pharmacist counseling. Objectives To determine the public views, level of awareness and use of home diagnostic tests and to evaluate the extent of community pharmacists' involvement in educating the public about these tests in Qatar. Setting Qatar's Supreme Council of Health lists 245 community pharmacies in Qatar. Ten community pharmacies were randomly selected from the list as study sites. Method The investigators visited selected pharmacies on different weekdays and at different times of the day. Members of the public who appeared to be over 16 years of age and able to communicate in English or Arabic were randomly approached, provided with the study objectives, and requested to participate. Those who offered oral consent were anonymously interviewed using a multipart survey. Main outcome measures Measures include the public awareness and use of home diagnostic tests and the extent of community pharmacist involvement in educating the public about these tests. Results During the 5-month study period, 297 patients answered the survey (60 % response rate). Most respondents were aware of at least one home diagnostic test (98 %). The top four home diagnostic tests that the respondents had ever heard of included: thermometers (91 %), blood pressure monitors (91 %), blood sugar tests (86 %) and regular pregnancy tests (72 %). Seventy-one percent of respondents had performed at least one home diagnostic test. When asked about the factors that influenced their choice of the home diagnostic tests, the pharmacist was only cited by 7 % of respondents. The majority of respondents ([80 %) agreed that using a home diagnostic test is convenient, comfortable and helps them in early diagnosis and treatment of healthcare conditions. Only 31 % agreed that the pharmacist offered sufficient information on what to do in case the test result turns to be positive. The study results suggest that generally, the public has good attitudes and awareness of home diagnostic tests. However, the results indicate that Qatar community pharmacists are not sufficiently involved in public education about home diagnostic tests. Pharmacists should take a more active role in counseling the public on the proper use of these tests.
Languageen
PublisherSpringer Nature
SubjectCommunity pharmacy
Home diagnostic tests
Pharmacist
Public Health
Qatar
TitleHome diagnostic tests in the state of Qatar: A snapshot of public views, level of awareness and use
TypeArticle
Pagination885-892
Issue Number6
Volume Number34
dc.accessType Abstract Only


Files in this item

FilesSizeFormatView

There are no files associated with this item.

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record