Students:
Mais Khaskiyyi
Haddel Abdo
Yasmen Msarwe
Rania Odeh
Souad Salame
Supervisor:
Dr. Ramzi Shawahna
Abstract:
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of pharmacists practicing in Palestine of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people.
Methods: The study was conducted in a cross-sectional observational design using a questionnaire. A total of 400 pharmacists responded to a 19-statement knowledge test related to psychotropic medications use in older people. The study was conducted in the period of July 2016 to February 2017. The reliability and internal consistency of the study tool was assessed using the test-retest method and Cronbach’s alpha. Categorical groups were compared using the chi-Square (χ2) test and Spearman’s rank correlation.
Results: On the 19-statements knowledge test, the median score was 55.3% with an interquartile range of 21.9%. Comparing the demographic and practice variables of the pharmacists who scored ≥ 50% in the 19-statement knowledge test with those who scored < 50%, age, gender, and having a course on psychotropic medications were significantly associated as shown by the χ2 and Spearman’s correlation.
Conclusion: Pharmacists practicing in Palestine possess less than optimal knowledge in issues related to use of psychotropic medications in older people. Continuing educational interventions and/or training might be helpful in improving knowledge of pharmacists of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people.
