Volume : 13, Issue : 05, May – 2026
Title:
IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL TOOL ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS IN DISPENSING CORTICOSTEROIDS AS OTC MEDICATION: A COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTION STUDY
Authors :
Anuksha Uttam Bevinagidad, Ahmedrazak Malikjan Phaniband, Abhishek Prakash Pawar, ishwanath Rama Dodmani, Dr. Anilkumar S. Kusnoor, Shrijeet M. Patil
Abstract :
Background: Corticosteroids are frequently misused as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, leading to serious adverse effects. Community pharmacists play a key role in ensuring their rational use. This study was conducted to assess the impact of an educational tool on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of community pharmacists regarding corticosteroid dispensing.
Methodology: A community-based interventional study was conducted among 100 pharmacists using a structured 21-item KAP questionnaire. Pre-intervention data were collected, followed by an educational program. Post-intervention assessment was done after four weeks. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and chi-square test.
Results: Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores improved significantly following the intervention (p<0.001). Mean knowledge increased from 3.28 to 6.09, attitude from 3.94 to 6.47, and practice from 3.00 to 5.78. Dispensing without prescription decreased from 70% to 30%, while counseling and prescription adherence practices improved considerably.
Conclusion: The educational intervention significantly improved pharmacists’ KAP, highlighting the need for continuous professional training to promote safe corticosteroid use.
Keywords: Corticosteroids, Community Pharmacists, OTC, Educational Intervention, KAP Study
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Shrijeet M. Patil et al., Impact Of Educational Tool On Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Community Pharmacists In Dispensing Corticosteroids As Otc Medication: A Community-Based Intervention Study., Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(05).
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