Exploring the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Community Pharmacists in Eastern Visayas towards Readiness to Provide Information Service on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Products

Authors

  • Gerard Lee L. See, PhD Department of Pharmacy, University of San Carlos, School of Health Care Professions, Cebu City, Philippines; Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, National Research Council of the Philippines, Taguig City, Philippines
  • Archie M. Cabachete, MSc Department of Pharmacy, University of San Carlos, School of Health Care Professions, Cebu City, Philippines
  • Judah Israel O. Lescano Department of Pharmacy, University of San Carlos, School of Health Care Professions, Cebu City, Philippines
  • Lorraine V. Tagle, PharmD Department of Pharmacy, University of San Carlos, School of Health Care Professions, Cebu City, Philippines
  • Micah M. Areja Department of Pharmacy, University of San Carlos, School of Health Care Professions, Cebu City, Philippines
  • Elizabeth Y. Tan, MSc Department of Pharmacy, University of San Carlos, School of Health Care Professions, Cebu City, Philippines
  • Gea Abigail U. Ecoy, MSc Department of Pharmacy, University of San Carlos, School of Health Care Professions, Cebu City, Philippines; Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, National Research Council of the Philippines, Taguig City, Philippines
  • Florencio V. Arce Jr., PhD Department of Pharmacy, University of San Carlos, School of Health Care Professions, Cebu City, Philippines; Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, National Research Council of the Philippines, Taguig City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.9085

Keywords:

complementary medicine, traditional medicine, herbal product, Philippines

Abstract

Background. Community pharmacists are strategically positioned to dispense Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) products as part of their innate roles in the provision of accurate drug information to patients. This unique position of the pharmacist could be best realized if equipped with good knowledge and skills in regard to CAM products.

Objectives. This study aimed to assess the readiness of community pharmacists in the provision of CAM productrelated information to patients by assessing the knowledge and determined the attitudes and practices of community pharmacists regarding CAM products in Eastern Visayas, Philippines.

Methods. A descriptive mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) survey design was utilized in this study. Community pharmacists (n=58) in Eastern Visayas, Philippines were the research participants in the study. The survey questionnaire constituted four sections: socio-demographic profile, attitudes, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists on CAM products. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 20.

Results. Results revealed that the majority of respondents are female (87.93%), age range in between 21-30 (62.07%), working full-time (79.31%), and bachelor’s degree holder (98.28%). More than half of the participants (53.45%) did not receive any education or training on CAM products during undergraduate studies. Community pharmacists displayed strong positive attitudes (mean=3.74) and had a moderate frequency of practice on CAM products (mean=3.20). The knowledge test revealed that only a few of the community pharmacists (31.03%) were considered knowledgeable. A significant relationship between years of work experience in community pharmacy and knowledge was found in this study.

Conclusion. Despite having strong attitude and moderate level of practice, community pharmacists in Eastern Visayas showed a low level of knowledge on CAM products. Demand for CAM products by patients encouraged community pharmacists to dispense and provide information. Readiness of community pharmacists in terms of knowledge provision of CAM product-related information to patients were found to be insufficient while a moderate level of practice towards CAM products was reported. Community pharmacists displayed a strong positive attitude towards CAM products. Overall, the community pharmacists are not ready to provide CAM information service in the context of the knowledge, attitude, and practices.

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Published

2025-02-28

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Articles

How to Cite

1.
Exploring the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Community Pharmacists in Eastern Visayas towards Readiness to Provide Information Service on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Products. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2025 Feb. 28 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];59(3). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/9085

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