Community Pharmacists' Perceptions of Their Role in Provision of Anemia Management in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia, and the Associated Barriers.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As a result of the lack of research exploring community pharmacists' perspectives on anemia care, this study examined the perceived practices and barriers to anemia management services in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to community pharmacists to validate pharmacist perceptions of their role in anemia care. Using an 11-item role test, pharmacists were asked about their perceptions of anemia management. Pharmacy anemia management barriers were explored using 20 items, and their perceptions of inter-professional contact were examined by two items. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: This research involved 324 community pharmacists, 62.3% of whom were males. There were significant differences between the location of pharmacy education and the perceived practice of anemia management. The most common barriers to anemia counseling were patients' lack of knowledge about anemia, health beliefs, patients' perceptions that their doctor takes care of them, and time constraints. The majority of respondents said they would like to have more contact with other healthcare professionals regarding the care of anemia patients. CONCLUSIONS: A positive perception of pharmacists' role in anemia management is prevalent among Saudi pharmacists in the Jazan region. Anemia management is challenging due to time limitations and patient-related problems.