| Abstract [eng] |
Background: Due to the aging population, the number of patients with osteoporosis is increasing. The role of pharmacists in osteoporosis prevention, through increasing public awareness of osteoporosis and its risk factors, timely identification of individuals at high risk of osteoporosis, especially the elderly, and early diagnosis of the disease is very important. The aim of the study: To assess pharmacists' knowledge (awareness) and attitudes towards osteoporosis prevention. Objectives: 1. To assess pharmacists' knowledge of osteoporosis. 2. To assess pharmacists' attitudes towards osteoporosis prevention. 3. To identify pharmacists' practices regarding osteoporosis prevention. 4. To identify the main factors that influence pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding osteoporosis prevention. Study method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 35 questions divided into 2 parts: the first part assessed pharmacists' knowledge of osteoporosis, its treatment recommendations and prevention, attitudes and practice in order to protect against the development of this disease; the second part collected demographic data. Results: The survey was completed by 182 pharmacists, of whom 68.1% (n=124) were women and 31.9% (n=58) were men. More than two-thirds of the respondents acknowledged that they had insufficient knowledge of the causes, risk factors, and prevention methods of osteoporosis, as well as treatment guidelines (69.3% and 65.4%, respectively). According to the study, pharmacists were aware of only the main aspects of the disease: female sex (92.8%), age (85.2%), early menopause (88.1%), previous osteoporotic fracture (84.1%), and long-term glucocorticoid therapy (81.9%). Pharmacists with less than 15 years of pharmacy experience were more knowledgeable about medicines that accelerate disease progression than pharmacists with more than 15 years of experience. 78.6% of pharmacists wanted to learn more about osteoporosis prevention. Pharmacists noted a lack of various written or visual materials. Although the majority of pharmacists (80.2%) indicated that they discussed medication use when dispensing medications, only 49.5% of respondents discussed possible medication side effects, and only 27.4% of them advised what the patient should do if they experienced them. Taking calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements pharmacists recommended 22.5% and 24.1% respectively. Pharmacists identified the main challenges to effective osteoporosis prevention in pharmacies as lack of patient awareness (82.5%), lack of time for consultations (69.8%), lack of collaboration between specialists (70.9%), and lack of continuity of care (67.0%). Conclusions: 1. Pharmacists' knowledge of the causes, risk factors and preventive measures, and treatment guidelines for osteoporosis is insufficient. 2. Pharmacists would like to learn more about osteoporosis prevention and treatment. 3. When dispensing drugs for osteoporosis, pharmacists most often discuss their use and sometimes discuss possible side effects. Pharmacists rarely initiate conversations with patients about osteoporosis prevention. 4. The main factors that influence pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes about osteoporosis prevention and practice in promoting osteoporosis prevention are lack of awareness among pharmacists and patients, lack of specialist collaboration, lack of time for consultation on bone health, and lack of continuity of care. |
