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Martin MT, Pham AN, Wagner JS. A cross-sectional survey of viral hepatitis education within pharmacy curricula in the United States. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:648-655. [PMID: 38353914 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01691-w] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan emphasizes the importance of a collaborative provider workforce trained in hepatitis prevention and treatment to eliminate viral hepatitis in the United States by 2030. Although pharmacists play a key role in hepatitis management, literature lacks documentation of the amount of viral hepatitis education provided to pharmacy students. AIM Our study goal was to describe viral hepatitis education provided at United States pharmacy schools. METHOD In this cross-sectional survey study, investigators developed a 19-item Qualtrics questionnaire, sent questionnaire links to curricula content experts at 140 accredited pharmacy colleges/schools in May-June 2022, and allotted 28 days for completion. Questions assessed the viral hepatitis instruction provided to students and hepatitis instructors' training/experience. We used descriptive statistics for analysis. RESULTS Forty-eight pharmacy institutions across 29 states/territories responded; 44% had 50-99 students/class, and 58% used lecture and discussion to provide required hepatitis education. Students received more lecture (average = 3.4 h, range 0.8-1.6 h/hepatitis topic) than discussion (average = 1.7 h, range 0.6-0.9 h/hepatitis topic), with the most time spent on hepatitis C, followed by hepatitis B virus. Respondents reported 93% of their instructors had post-graduate training/certifications and 67% worked in clinical settings with hepatitis patients. CONCLUSION Survey results demonstrate variability in hepatitis education across United States pharmacy curricula. Data offer stakeholders in hepatitis elimination efforts knowledge about the viral hepatitis education provided to Doctor of Pharmacy students. Future directions include consideration of implementation of minimum hepatitis education standards to further support work toward national hepatitis elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle T Martin
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System (UI Health), 833 South Wood Street, Suite 164, M/C 886, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Aileen N Pham
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jessica S Wagner
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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Ghazzawi M, Babawo LS, Mohareb AM, James PB, Yendewa SA, Massaquoi SP, Cummings PE, Lakoh S, Salata RA, Yendewa GA. Impact of COVID-19 on hepatitis B screening in Sierra Leone: insights from a community pharmacy model of care. IJID REGIONS 2023; 9:7-13. [PMID: 37711649 PMCID: PMC10498170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To assess the impact of COVID-19-related interruptions and seasonal patterns on hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening in a hyperendemic setting in Sierra Leone. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of HBV testing in a community pharmacy in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from October 01, 2019, through September 30, 2022. We compared participant characteristics using Pearson's chi-square test. We evaluated trends in HBV screening and diagnosis using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's or Dunnett's post-test. Results Of 920 individuals screened, 161 had detectable HBV surface antigen (seroprevalence 17.5% [95% CI 14.9-20.4]). There was a 100% decrease in HBV screening during January-June of 2020; however, screening increased by 27% and 23% in the first and second years after COVID-19, respectively. Mean quarterly tests showed a significant upward trend: 55 ± 6 tests during January-March (baseline), 74 ± 16 tests during April-June, 101 ± 3 tests during July-September, and 107 ± 17 tests during October-December (one-way analysis of variance test for trend, F = 7.7, P = 0.0254) but not the mean quarterly number of people diagnosed with HBV (F = 0.34, P = 0.7992). Conclusion Community-based HBV screening dramatically improved following temporary disruptions related to COVID-19. Seasonal variation in HBV screening, but not HBV diagnosis, may have implications for HBV elimination efforts in Sierra Leone and other West African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lawrence S. Babawo
- Department of Nursing, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Amir M. Mohareb
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Peter B. James
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Connaught Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert A. Salata
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, USA
| | - George A. Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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Bratberg JP, Simmons A, Arya V, Bhatia A, Vakharia SP. Support, don't punish: Drug decriminalization is harm reduction. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:224-229. [PMID: 36682855 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite large investments in and policy support for harm reduction including naloxone, syringes, and medications for opioid use disorder, people who use drugs continue to experience unprecedented rates of mortality from overdose and morbidity from infectious diseases. The criminalization of drug use has disproportionately exacerbated these drug-related harms and imposed short- and long-term burdens on already marginalized and vulnerable populations. Pharmacy professionals and students are not immune to the effects of drug criminalization, where one conviction can lead to the loss of their license, employment, or educational progress. Communities become less healthy and stagnate in punitive criminalization systems, further reducing opportunities for growth. Decriminalization of drug use and possession is an urgently needed and effective approach to drug use that shifts resources from punishment to public health, thereby reducing the negative impacts of drug use and keeping communities safe and healthy. Pharmacists play essential roles in the prevention and management of drug misuse and use disorders. As policy makers consider and implement drug decriminalization, pharmacists must actively advocate for these policies and educate community and organizational partners on the individual, professional, and community benefits of this harm reduction strategy.
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Strand MA, DiPietro Mager NA, Hall L, Martin SL, Sarpong DF. Pharmacy Contributions to Improved Population Health: Expanding the Public Health Roundtable. Prev Chronic Dis 2020; 17:E113. [PMID: 32975507 PMCID: PMC7553224 DOI: 10.5888/pcd17.200350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Strand
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, 118K Sudro Hall, Fargo, ND 58101.
| | | | - Lori Hall
- Division of Strategic National Stockpile, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sarah Levin Martin
- Department of Community Health, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, Maine
| | - Daniel F Sarpong
- Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana
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