Abstract

EVALUATING THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY PHARMACIST IN PATIENT EDUCATION AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Karthikeyan S., Monishkumar V., Priyadharshini M., Santhosh C., Prakasham S.*, Manivannan R.

Abstract

Background: Dermatological disorders are common and often chronic, requiring prolonged topical and/or systemic therapy, and poor adherence to these regimens can compromise clinical outcomes. In community settings with limited specialist access, community pharmacists are frequently the most accessible professionals for reinforcing correct medicine use and addressing patient concerns. Objective: To evaluate community pharmacist-provided patient education and its association with patient knowledge and medication adherence among patients with dermatological disorders in and around Kumarapalayam, Tamil Nadu. Methods: A six-month community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with physician-diagnosed dermatological disorders receiving dermatological medications from community pharmacies. Data were collected using a structured intervieweradministered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic and clinical variables, pharmacist counselling exposure, patient knowledge, self-reported medication adherence using an 8-item tool (score 0–8), perceived barriers to adherence, and satisfaction with pharmacist support. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses were performed, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 196 participants were enrolled (mean age 38.95 ± 7.93 years; 64.3% female; 73.0% rural residents). Fungal infections were most common (32.7%), followed by eczema/atopic dermatitis (20.9%), psoriasis (19.9%), and acne (16.8%). Counselling exposure from community pharmacists was low in 15.3%, moderate in 67.3%, and high in 17.3% of participants, while knowledge levels were poor, moderate, and good in 16.3%, 58.2%, and 25.5% respectively. Medication adherence was low in 55.6%, medium in 35.7%, and high in 8.7% of participants. Counselling score and knowledge score both showed strong positive correlations with adherence score (Spearman coefficients ≈ 0.74; p < 0.001). Frequently reported barriers included fear of steroid side effects, confusion regarding order of product application, cost, unpleasant product characteristics, and multi-step regimens. Conclusion: Adherence to dermatological therapy in this community was suboptimal despite generally favourable patient satisfaction with pharmacist support. Strengthening simple, structured counselling by community pharmacists—focusing on treatment duration, correct application of multiple products, side-effect concerns, and practical regimen guidance—may improve patient knowledge, adherence, and clinical outcomes in dermatological disorders.

Keywords: Community pharmacist; Dermatological disorders; Patient education; Medication adherence; Counselling; India.