Evaluating the competency of community pharmacists in identifying and managing malnourished patients: A cross sectional survey

Muhammad Ahmad Suleiman; Ibrahim Abdulwase; Khadija Ahmad Tukur; Zainab Bala Umar; Shaaban Shuaib Muhammad; Munira Musa Ladan; Mansur Muhammad; Fatima Hussaini

doi:10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100341

Evaluating the competency of community pharmacists in identifying and managing malnourished patients: A cross sectional survey

Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm. 2023 Oct 1:12:100341. doi: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100341. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Muhammad Ahmad Suleiman¹, Ibrahim Abdulwase¹, Khadija Ahmad Tukur², Zainab Bala Umar¹, Shaaban Shuaib Muhammad¹, Munira Musa Ladan³, Mansur Muhammad⁴, Fatima Hussaini¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria.
² Dialogue Pharmacy Limited, Isa kaita Road, Kaduna, Nigeria.
³ Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, Floyer House Philpot Street, London E1 2DP, United Kingdom.
⁴ Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is a global health issue that affects all age groups and regions. The integration of malnutrition screening into community pharmacy practices help address malnutrition. Community pharmacies, with their accessibility and reach, are well-suited to provide essential malnutrition screening services, contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Objective: The research objectives encompass evaluating community pharmacists' knowledge, screening proficiency, range of malnutrition services provided, and competence in identifying patients at risk of malnutrition.

Method: The study used a cross-sectional design to gather data from CPs in Kaduna State, Nigeria, using an online, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used, and the data were evaluated using descriptive statistics.

Results: Eighty five percent of the 80 CPs who took the survey and provided responses practiced in urban areas. Approximately 37% and 18% of pharmacists, respectively, had a good and fair understanding of therapeutic nutrition. Additionally, while 33% of pharmacists provided nutritional advice in response to a prescription, 41% of them did so based on specific observations. Patients with severe dehydration (28%), infants and children with growth impairment (25%), and neonates with low birth weight (20%) were identified as high-risk. A little over 30% of survey participants thought patients should have both dietary and medical treatment. Additionally, 34% of pharmacists reported nutritional supplements had a positive impact on public health, while 28% believed they should be sold in pharmacies under pharmacist supervision.

Conclusion: Study findings revealed knowledge gaps in addressing malnutrition among CPs. While they play a significant role, improvements are needed in understanding therapeutic nutrition and providing advice. Identifying high-risk patients and recognizing the value of nutritional supplements can enhance public healthcare services and patient well-being.