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Oladapo RK, Obidiro OP, Oyetola AB, Olajide A, Oladapo MO, Lawrence US, Hasan MM, Islam Z, Mustapha AA, Osuagwu-Nwogu E, Ghazanfar S, Olaleye MA, Monisola I, Ibraheem B, Afolayan AA, Barakat A, Adewole MO. COVID-19 vaccination in low and middle-income countries: Creating a sustainable roadmap for promoting public health intervention. Int J Health Plann Manage 2024; 39:1612-1625. [PMID: 39090524 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global public health threat ravaging the health systems. In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), COVID-19 and several other challenges concurrently worsen the health outcome indicators. Interestingly, vaccines have been identified as the most reliable and cost-effective public health intervention, and the governments in LMICs have instituted an array of plans to ensure every eligible person gets vaccinated. However, there is still considerable apathy around the use of the available COVID-19 vaccines in LMICs which is impeding the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we explore the multiple interrelated factors behind low COVID-19 vaccination coverage in LMICs. It is therefore recommended that the governments in LMICs embrace multicomponent and wide-ranging strategies. This should involve utilising community-based approaches such as community pharmacy-led vaccination to promote community access to COVID-19 vaccines and to revive trust in national health authorities by offering population-specific, target-driven, transparent, and timely communication to the community who they serve about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Communication strategies should be tailored to reflect diverse political orientations as this can enhance vaccine acceptance. Additionally, local political parties and representative should be engaged in broad alliances to facilitate community mobilisation and support for vaccination campaigns. Also, relevant Nongovernmental Organisations and Community-based Organisations should institute programs at the grassroots that incorporate the gatekeepers to the community aimed at influencing population behaviour regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Besides, the public health department in the ministry of health in LMICs should create more awareness, through social and mass media, particularly in the rural, semi-urban, and slum communities about the pivotal role of vaccination. Thus, we opined that these strategies will help LMICs achieve the COVID-19 vaccination target and further reposition the healthcare systems, and promote other public health interventions now and in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasaq Kayode Oladapo
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mariam Olaitan Oladapo
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun, Nigeria
| | | | - Mohammed Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Mawlana Bhashani Science, and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Zarmina Islam
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary Omotola Adewole
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Oye, Oye, Ekiti, Nigeria
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Chirila S, Hangan T, Gurgas L, Costache MG, Vlad MA, Nitu BF, Bittar SM, Craciun A, Condur L, Bjørklund G. Pharmacy-Based Influenza Vaccination: A Study of Patient Acceptance in Romania. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1005-1013. [PMID: 38690537 PMCID: PMC11059623 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s459369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study explores patient acceptance of influenza vaccination administered by pharmacists in Romania during the 2023 season, considering it a novel strategy to address gaps in knowledge. Pharmacy-based vaccination deviates from traditional methods, providing high-risk patients with full reimbursement and others with 50% reimbursement, allowing a choice between family doctors and pharmacies for vaccine administration. Material and Method The survey includes 15 questions covering socio-demographic data, health information, vaccination preferences, and perceptions of pharmacy-based vaccinations. Results Respondents showed a positive inclination toward pharmacy-based vaccination, with 68% expressing favorable sentiments, but an awareness gap exists, as only 36% were aware of pharmacy-based vaccination availability. Conclusion Challenges include a lack of patient awareness and understanding of benefits, emphasizing the need for structured pharmacist-patient dialogues. Legal changes, a defined funding mechanism, and collaboration are crucial for successful implementation. The study provides valuable insights into patient perceptions, contributing to discussions on optimizing influenza vaccination coverage in Romania and beyond and recognizing pharmacies' potential in achieving broader vaccination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Chirila
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Tony Hangan
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Leonard Gurgas
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | | | | | | | - Sara Melek Bittar
- Department of Dermatology, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Aurora Craciun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Laura Condur
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
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Chamouard V, Freyssenge J, Clairaz-Mahiou B, Ferrera Bibas F, Fraticelli L. Evaluation of an e-Learning Program for Community Pharmacists for Dispensing Emicizumab (Hemlibra) in France: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e54656. [PMID: 38574351 PMCID: PMC11027057 DOI: 10.2196/54656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since June 2021, patients with hemophilia A with antifactor VIII inhibitors and those with severe hemophilia A without antifactor VIII inhibitors treated with Hemlibra have had to choose between a community or hospital pharmacy. The French reference center for hemophilia developed the HEMOPHAR e-learning program for community pharmacists for dispensing emicizumab. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the efficiency and safety of this new care pathway by assessing the HEMOPHAR e-learning program. METHODS The methodology is based on Kirkpatrick's model for evaluating the immediate reaction of trained community pharmacists (level 1), their level of acquired knowledge (level 2), and their professional practice after 3 months of dispensation (level 3). RESULTS The HEMOPHAR e-learning program reached a large audience, with 67% (337/502) of the eligible community pharmacists following it. The immediate reaction was overall satisfying. High rates of engagement were reported with 63.5% (214/337) to 73.3% (247/337) of completed training modules, along with high rates of success with quizzes of 61.5% (174/337) to 95.7% (244/337). We observed that 83.9% (193/230) of the community pharmacists needed less than 2 attempts to pass the quiz of the module related to professional practice, while the other quizzes required more attempts. Advice on compliance and drug interactions were most frequently provided to patients by the community pharmacists. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests ways to improve the training of community pharmacists and to optimize coordination with treatment centers. This study also reports on the feasibility of switching to a community pharmacy in a secure pharmaceutical circuit, including in the context of a rare bleeding disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05449197; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05449197. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/43091.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Chamouard
- Louis Pradel Hospital, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, French Reference Center of Hemophilia, Bron, France
| | - Julie Freyssenge
- University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1290 Research on Healthcare Performance RESHAPE, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Laurie Fraticelli
- Laboratory P2S (Health Systemic Process), UR 4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Rahim MHA, Dom SHM, Hamzah MSR, Azman SH, Zaharuddin Z, Fahrni ML. Impact of pharmacist interventions on immunisation uptake: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 17:2285955. [PMID: 38205195 PMCID: PMC10775721 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2023.2285955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Under-utilisation of immunisation services remains a public health challenge. Pharmacists act as facilitators and increasingly as immunisers, yet relatively little robust evidence exists of the impact elicited on patient health outcome and vaccination uptake. Objective To evaluate the influence of pharmacist interventions on public vaccination rate. Methods SCOPUS, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from inception to April 2023 to retrieve non- and randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs). Studies were excluded if no comparator group to pharmacist involvement was reported. Data extraction, risk of bias assessments, and meta-analyses using random-effect models, were performed. Results Four RCTs and 15 non-RCTs, encompassing influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, and tetanus-diphtheria and pertussis vaccine types, and administered in diverse settings including community pharmacies, were included. Pooled effect sizes revealed that, as compared to usual care, pharmacists, regardless of their intervention, improved the overall immunisation uptake by up to 51% [RR 1.51 (1.28, 1.77)] while immunisation frequency doubled when pharmacists acted specifically as advocators [RR 2.09 (1.42, 3.07)]. Conclusion While the evidence for pharmacist immunisers was mixed, their contribution to immunisation programmes boosted public vaccination rate. Pharmacists demonstrated leadership and acquired indispensable advocator roles in the community and hospital settings. Future research could explore the depth of engagement and hence the extent of influence on immunisation uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Hafiz Abd Rahim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor Branch, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Siti Hajar Mahamad Dom
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor Branch, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shah Rezan Hamzah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor Branch, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Siti Hawa Azman
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor Branch, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Zahirah Zaharuddin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor Branch, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Mathumalar Loganathan Fahrni
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor Branch, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
- Center for Drug Policy and Health Economics Research (CDPHER), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Malaysia
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Nappi RE, Farris M, Gallina Toschi A, Michieli R, Moccia F, Orthmann N, Arisi E. Overcoming barriers to oral contraception in Italy an expert opinion to empower women. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2254400. [PMID: 37666276 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2254400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral contraceptives are among the most commonly used contraceptive methods. However, Italian women underused reliable hormonal contraceptives as compared with other European women. There is a need to streamline access to oral contraception, with expected benefits on emotional well-being of women and potential savings for health system in Italy. Indeed, women can only access to oral contraceptives through mandatory medical prescription. This is one of the most important barrier experienced by women. We hereby provide an expert opinion on the potential reclassification, extending pharmacy services to include responsible and appropriate use of POP, as an opportunity also in Italy to increase the use of safe and effective contraceptive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella E Nappi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Manuela Farris
- AIED (Italian Association for Demographic Education), Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Nicoletta Orthmann
- Onda Foundation - National Observatory of Women's and Gender Health, Milano, Italy
| | - Emilio Arisi
- SMIC (Italian Medical Society of Contraception), Milano, Italy
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Abu-Farha R, Alzoubi KH, Mukattash T, Karout S, Itani R, Nassar RI, Barakat M. Public perceptions about home delivery of medications service in Lebanon: A cross-sectional survey. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
<b>Objectives: </b>To investigate the public’s perception of home delivery of medication service offered by community pharmacies in Lebanon and to assess factors affecting the use of this service.<br />
<b>Methods: </b>The present study represents a cross-sectional online survey study that took place in April-May 2022. The survey was uploaded on the google form platform and was distributed on popular social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp). Participants were asked to fill out the questionnaire to evaluate their awareness and perception of home delivery of medication service. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.<br />
<b>Results: </b>During the study period, 517 participants agreed to fill out the study questionnaire. Only 18.4% of the study’s participants (n=95) had previously utilized home delivery of medications service. The majority of the participants believed that home delivery service made pharmacists less accessible to answer questions (n=332, 64.2%), and prevented pharmacists from explaining important points about prescriptions (n=322, 62.3%) compared to in-store refills. The main disadvantage of the service as perceived by the participants that home delivery of medications services is associated with the excessive cost of transporting medication (n=385, 74.5%), while the main advantage of this service is its ability to serve sick patients, elderly, disabled people (n=460, 88.9%). Finally, being female, being a university graduate or above, or having a monthly income of more than 500$/month are significantly associated with utilizing home delivery of medication service (p≤0.05).<br />
<b>Conclusion: </b>The majority of the Lebanese participants reported not utilizing the home delivery of medication service before, however, they have positively perceived medication home delivery service as an efficient pharmaceutical service. Serious efforts are needed by health policymakers to facilitate the implementation of this service in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Abu-Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, JORDAN
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JORDAN
| | - Tareq Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JORDAN
| | - Samar Karout
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LEBANON
| | - Rania Itani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LEBANON
| | - Razan I Nassar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, JORDAN
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, JORDAN
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Bianchi FP, Stefanizzi P, Diella G, Martinelli A, Di Lorenzo A, Gallone MS, Tafuri S. Prevalence and management of rubella susceptibility in healthcare workers in Italy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine X 2022; 12:100195. [PMID: 36032697 PMCID: PMC9399279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2022.100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the pre-vaccination era, all adults acquired immunity status due to natural infections during childhood and adolescence, whereas universal mass vaccination has changed the seroepidemiology of rubella among adults, showing lack of immunity in some subgroups. National and international guidelines recommend evaluating all healthcare workers (HCWs) for their immune status to rubella and possibly vaccinating those who are seronegative. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the susceptibility rate to rubella among HCWs in Italy and to explore possible options for the management of those found to be susceptible. Methods Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis, selected from scientific papers available in the MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar (till page 10) databases between January 1, 2015 and November 30, 2021. The following terms were used for the search strategy: (sero* OR seroprevalence OR prevalence OR susceptibilit* OR immunit* OR immunogenict*) AND (healthcare worker* OR health personnel OR physician* OR nurse OR student*) AND (rubella OR german measles OR TORCH) AND (Italy) Results The prevalence of rubella-susceptible HCWs was 9.0 % (95 %CI: 6.4–12.1 %). In a comparison of female vs. male serosusceptible HCWs, the RR was 0.67 (95 %CI = 0.51–0.88). Occupational medicine examinations for rubella screening with possible subsequent vaccination of seronegatives and exclusion of susceptible HCWs from high-risk settings were common management strategies. Conclusions HCWs susceptible to rubella are an important epidemiological concern in Italy, and efforts to identify and actively offer the vaccine to this population should be increased.
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Ciliberti R, Lantieri F, Barranco R, Tettamanti C, Bonsignore A, Ventura F. A Survey on Undergraduate Medical Students' Perception of COVID-19 Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091464. [PMID: 36146542 PMCID: PMC9504072 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to obtain information on medical students’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and to identify the main barriers to its acceptance. We conducted an anonymous online survey on a sample of undergraduate medical students from one main Italian University. The questions were aimed at exploring their attitudes toward vaccination to prevent COVID-19, their perceptions of the risk/threat of COVID-19 and the factors associated with their attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. A high percentage of students in our sample stated that they had been vaccinated or that they intended to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 coronavirus. A total of 239 questionnaires were analyzed. Age, social, geographic and demographic characteristics, health conditions and interest in vaccination were recorded; 93% of the students declared that they encouraged vaccination and 83% stated that the reason was “Moral responsibility towards the community”. Four students had not yet been vaccinated, mainly because of “Contradictory information on efficacy and safety”. The Likert-type questions revealed high agreement on the importance of vaccination and whether it should be made mandatory (“indispensable tool” and “ethical duty” were cited to explain this position). The results show a high level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among these medical undergraduates who, being halfway through their training and involved in clinical practice, are already in possession of specific scientific knowledge and, to a small extent, come from different areas of Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosagemma Ciliberti
- Section History of Medicine and Bioethics, Health Science Department (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Via De Toni 12, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Lantieri
- Biostatistics Unit, Health Science Department (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Rosario Barranco
- Section of Legal Medicine, Health Science Department (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Via De Toni 12, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Camilla Tettamanti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Health Science Department (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Via De Toni 12, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS—Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Teaching Hospital, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bonsignore
- Section of Legal Medicine, Health Science Department (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Via De Toni 12, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS—Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Teaching Hospital, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesco Ventura
- Section of Legal Medicine, Health Science Department (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Via De Toni 12, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS—Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Teaching Hospital, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
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Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding vaccination among community pharmacists. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2022; 23:e38. [PMID: 35866296 PMCID: PMC9309755 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423622000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Healthcare professionals’ vaccine recommendation is the most effective method to increase vaccination rates of the community. The vaccine counseling and recommendation behavior of pharmacists, who are among the easily accessible healthcare professionals, are influenced by their knowledge and attitudes about vaccines. Aim: It was aimed to investigate community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding commonly used vaccines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted as an online survey with a sample of 1100 community pharmacists in Turkey. Pharmacists were invited to participate in the study by phone calls. A structured survey, which consists of 40 questions to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding vaccines, was sent to the e-mail addresses of pharmacists who volunteered to participate in the study. Findings: A total of 430 pharmacists completed the survey. Thirty percent of pharmacists had lack of knowledge about vaccination during pregnancy, whereas 52.2% and 31.4% of pharmacists believed that tetanus and influenza vaccines should be provided during pregnancy, respectively. Nearly 89% of pharmacists recommended vaccines to patients, mainly for influenza vaccine (83.9%). Only 31.5% of pharmacists had been vaccinated against influenza in the last season, whereas 50.5% had never been vaccinated. Pharmacists who had been vaccinated with influenza vaccine had a high rate of recommending influenza vaccines to the patients. Conclusion: The present study found that vaccination among pharmacists in Turkey and their knowledge on vaccination during pregnancy were low. Further education of pharmacists to improve their knowledge and attitudes toward vaccines is needed.
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Al-Shatnawi SF, Khasawneh RA, Alhamad H. Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives Toward the Integration of over the Counter Supplements During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221095825. [PMID: 35503234 PMCID: PMC9069600 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221095825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: During COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers (HCPs) have been inundated with consultations related to over the counter (OTC) dietary supplements’ protective role. Thus, the present study focused on assessing HCPs perceptions toward OTC products integration during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Pertinent data was collected using validated-online survey comprising four sections: demographics, OTC supplementation perceptions, awareness related to safety of OTC supplements, confidence in recommending dosage and counseling to patients regarding OTC supplements’ safety, and some health-related behaviors. Quantified perception score represented by corrected confidence-concern ratio was used in assessing perceptions, and associations between demographics with perception and awareness were explored. Results: A total of 600 responses were included in the final analysis. Vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D were the most popularly recommended OTC supplements. Most respondents indicated positive perceptions toward dietary supplementation while around 60% of respondents reported reluctance about the protective role of COVID-19 vaccination. Bachelor’s degree holders (AOR = 4.39, 95% CI = 2.25–10.33), pharmacists (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.5–9.5), and junior HCPs (<1 year experience) had improved perceptions compared to college graduates, physicians, and senior practitioners (AOR = .17, 95% CI = .04–.78 and AOR = .15, 95% CI = .02–.93), respectively. Conclusion: Suboptimal knowledge among HCPs toward the safety and hazards associated with integration of different OTC supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic dictates further education to ensure the safe integration of OTC supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah F. Al-Shatnawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rawand A. Khasawneh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hamza Alhamad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan
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Alshahrani SM, Orayj K, Alqahtani AM, Alfatease A, Alshahrani A, Ibrahim ARN. Attitude and Willingness to Get COVID-19 Vaccines by a Community Pharmacist in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:2821-2834. [PMID: 36284545 PMCID: PMC9588287 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s379309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community pharmacists play a key role as vaccinators for COVID-19. They can reduce the burden of the disease worldwide. OBJECTIVE This study used a cross-sectional questionnaire to determine whether the Saudi Arabian public was willing to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine via community pharmacists. RESULTS The questionnaire focused on the satisfaction, concerns, and opinions towards providing vaccination by community pharmacists. The study featured 415 individuals aged 18 and older (eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine). Of the participants in this study, 58.1% were aged 18-25, with 55.4% female. Most participants (72.8%) have not been exposed to COVID-19 and are not aware of the approval of COVID-19 vaccination by community pharmacists. Of the 415 complete questionnaires, 45% believed that community pharmacists are not experienced in administering vaccines. However, 63% of participants are satisfied with getting the COVID-19 vaccination by a community pharmacist if no other option is available. More than 68% of the respondents agree that community pharmacies should expand their health care services to include vaccinations, prescriptions, checkups, and other forms of preventative medicine. DISCUSSION The availability of community pharmacist-administered vaccination in Saudi Arabia could be a significant factor in the success of the country's vaccination program. This study may serve as a model to expand the role of pharmacists in other countries' vaccination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan M Alshahrani
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Orayj
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Alqahtani
- Pharmacology Department, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Alfatease
- Pharmaceutics Department, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed R N Ibrahim
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
- Correspondence: Ahmed RN Ibrahim, Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 554088979, Email
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Rauh LD, Lathan HS, Masiello MM, Ratzan SC, Parker RM. A Select Bibliography of Actions to Promote Vaccine Literacy: A Resource for Health Communication. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 25:843-858. [PMID: 33719890 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1878312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this bibliography, the researchers provide an introduction to the available evidence base of actions to promote vaccine literacy. The research team organized interventions to create a tool that can inform health communicators and practitioners seeking a resource focused on strategy and implementation design for actions that support vaccine literacy. This scoping bibliography is honed specifically to respond to the urgency of the current pandemic, when supporting and increasing vaccine literacy offers promise for achieving the critically needed high levels of vaccination. Over the course of the coming months and year, this bibliography will be a dynamic and "living" document hosted and maintained on vaccineliteracy.com.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D Rauh
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah S Lathan
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Scott C Ratzan
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth M Parker
- Division of General Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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