Abstract

A COMMUNITY BASED STUDY TO ASSESS PHARMACIST INTERVENTION IN IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG PATIENTS WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM

Krishnananda Kamath K., Shahada Ali*, Sijoy Joy and A. R. Shabaraya

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Abstract

Thyroid gland is an endocrine organ whose main function is to produce sufficient amount of thyroid hormones which influences basal metabolic rate, cell differentiation, synthesis of proteins, and growth hormones. Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Research shows that about 42 million people in India are suffering from thyroid diseases. A study suggested that the prevalence of hypothyroidism was higher in females compared to males. It has been noted that overall awareness regarding hypothyroidism is low, and that the majority of patients have inadequate knowledge, incorrect attitudes, and behaviors. Therefore, this study aims to assess pharmacist intervention in improving Knowledge, awareness and, practice (KAP) among the patients with hypothyroidism residing in Dakshina Kannada on a community based prospective observational study. A total of 150 patients participated in the study. The data was collected with the help of patient interview forms and was analyzed. Majority of the participants were female (68.7%) and between the age group of 45-65 years (48%). The KAP of the study participants were assessed with the help of validated questionnaire. Intervention was given using patient information leaflet regarding hypothyroidism. After one-month interval, the same questionnaire was used to compare their KAP score. Most of the patients in our study had a low level of knowledge regarding hypothyroidism before intervention. Patient education improved their understanding level. As a result, this study suggests that pharmacist assistance can improve patient’s knowledge, attitude, and practice when it comes to hypothyroidism management.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice.