Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS AMONG COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS IN KASARAGOD

Jasmine Shalet D. Souza*, Haleema Hashmath, Rinsha Anwer T. P., Shameemath Nazneen and Madheshwaran M.

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Abstract

Pharmacovigilance is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine/vaccine related problem. OTC drugs, also known as non-prescription medicines, include the drugs sold without a prescription from a registered medical practitioner (RMP) and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Aim of the study is to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of OTC drugs among community pharmacists in Kasaragod area. A crosssectional questionnaire based study was conducted to assess the KAP of OTC drugs among community pharmacists in Kasaragod area. Questionnaire was distributed to 85 pharmacies situated in Kasaragod. The majority of the community pharmacists were female (67.5%). 73.7% gave correct responses for knowledge related questions, 71.6% gave correct responses for attitude related questions, 77.0% gave correct responses for practice related questions. The outcome of the study suggested that Community Pharmacists should improve their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding OTC medications under auspices of regulatory authorities and maintain good liaison with healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, OTC, Community Pharmacist.