ABSTRACT
University students are a sub-group of the population at high risk of COVID-19 infection, and their judgments on vaccination affect the public attitudes towards vaccination. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among pharmacy and non-pharmacy students. A cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling pharmacy (375) and non-pharmacy (225) students from the universities in Lahore. Chi-square analysis was used for significant frequency distributions and a 5-point Likert scale was used to score attitude, perception, and acceptance. The majority of the students were aged between 19-24 years, hailing from urban and middle-class families with good self-reported health. The preferred vaccine was Pfizer, followed by Sinopharm and Sinovac. The major source of information was social media, followed by government campaigns and family members. The pharmacy students demonstrated better knowledge and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. The non-pharmacy students scored higher for the questions based on scientific leads, myths, and baffling conspiracies. The non-pharmacy students showed higher hesitancy/barrier total scores related to their trust in the health system, COVID-19 vaccine storage, and efficacy. Data suggested that pharmacy students exhibited better knowledge, positive attitudes, and perceptions about COVID-19 vaccination. Overall, vaccine efficacy and safety were mutual concerns. Nonetheless, non-pharmacy students were hesitant due to mistrust in the health system of Pakistan.
ABSTRACT
Purchase of drugs in a non-pharmacy outlet in the aspect of patient’s safety SUBJECT OF STUDY: Currently, more and more people are choosing to buy medicines in places other than the pharmacy. The storage conditions of drugs being sold outside the pharmacy often differ from the norms and pharmacy rules, and exposing drugs to sunlight radiation and high temperature may lead to changes in the composition of the drug and affect the safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapy. The COVID-19 epidemic fundamentally emphasized the role of pharmacists, initiating the full use of their potential which supports the resources of an overburdened healthcare system. The role of pharmacies in the crisis of the current global pandemic situation is crucial as they are often the only point of contact with healthcare professionals for patients who need reliable information. PURPOSE OF RESEARCH: The aim of the study was to determine where patients most often buy medicines and whether they are aware of the dangers connected with the use of medicines purchased in non-pharmacy-outlet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The questionnaire consisted of 27 original questions. The survey was completely anonymous and 251 people took part in the study. The vast majority of the respondents were women and people declaring non-medical education. RESULTS: The obtained results indicate that the respondents do not trust people selling drugs without medical education. However, despite the important role of healthcare and information provided by pharmacists, over 70% of respondents buy medicines outside the pharmacy. 54.8% of respondents are aware of the quality control of drugs in pharmacies (withholding or recalling procedure), as well as insufficient control at other drug sale points. A positive phenomenon is a fact that over 89% of patients choose to buy drugs in a pharmacy in case of emergency. Moreover, more than 72% of users are aware that improper storage of drugs can change their composition and cause undesirable effects. CONCLUSIONS: The conducted study pointed to the need for health education of patients. It is necessary to provide patients with the address to buy drugs where they are properly stored and sold by a qualified team of pharmacists. This indicates the need to implement and develop Pharmaceutical Care in Poland. © 2021 Polish Pharmaceutical Society. All Rights Reserved.