Original Article

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Year: 2021 I Volume: 3 I Issue: 3 I Pages I 1-6

https://doi.org/10.46982/gjmt.2021.105

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A Cross Sectional Observational Study to Assess Pharmacists Perspective and General Health Wellbeing During COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

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Nagwa Ibrahim1*, Asma Almuhsin2, Raghad Alkhattabi3, Maryam Almulaifi1, Ali Alrumaih4

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1 Department of pharmaceutical services, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

2 Deputyship of Therapeutic Services, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3 Pharmacy Services Department, Ad Diriyah Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

4 Pharmaceutical Care Department Medical Services Directorate, Ministry of Defense, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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* Corresponding Author:

Nagwa Ibrahim, Pharm D, PhD

Email address: nag_ibrahim@hotmail.com 

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Source of funding:  None

 

Conflict of interest: None

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Key wards: : COVID-19; Pandemic; Pharmacists; Health wellbeing; Saudi Arabia.

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Abstract:

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Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic impacted all countries negatively. Regulatory bodies in Saudi Arabia and worldwide set a firm policies and guidelines to protect their nationals and residents from the virus. Pharmacists play a major role in health care. This study aims to assess pharmacists perspective and general health wellbeing during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional observational study using a quantitative survey-based methodology.  Data was collected from May to July 2020. Results: We were able to enrol 381 pharmacists working in different practice settings as governmental hospitals, healthcare centers, private hospitals and community pharmacies. The acceptable knowledge level score is 13 (60%) that has been reached by about 37% of participants. Male and female had similar scores. Level of knowledge among regions was variable, southern region scored the least with a mean score of 12.89 ± 3.91 and eastern region scored the highest level with a mean score of 15.07 ± 2.86. There was a significant correlation between knowledge level, region of residency and level of experience. The maximum total awareness score was 7, the mean score was 5.18 ± 1.65. There was a statistically significant correlation between awareness level and the region of residency variable. The general health questions section included 9 questions. The minimum score was 9, the maximum was 36 and the mean score was 17.51 ± 7.34. The higher the score indicate the worsening of the general health. There is a strong correlation between gender, experience and the general health wellbeing. Men had better general health compared to women p<0.001 and participants with range of experience 6-10 years had a lower level of general health. Conclusion: COVID-19 still has a negative impact worldwide. Maintaining awareness and education is essential to keep the protective measures as possible. In addition, there is a need to address the impact of COVID-19 on pharmacist's mental health to act accordingly.

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