Asthma Patient Education and Counselling in Community Pharmacies in Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study
International Pharmacy Acta,
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025),
6 April 2025
,
Page e7: 1-9
https://doi.org/10.22037/ipa.v8i1.48211
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, and its prevalence is rising in Iraq, where community pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare providers. This study evaluated the knowledge, practices, and challenges faced by community pharmacists in Erbil, Iraq, to identify gaps and opportunities for improving asthma care and control. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2023, involving 199 community pharmacists. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire assessing asthma medication knowledge, patient counselling practices, and barriers to care. 75.4% of pharmacists educated patients on medication roles, 77.4% discussed side effects, and 75.9% assessed concomitant medication use. Key barriers included staffing (26.1%), time constraints (22.1%), lack of interest (21.1%), lack of knowledge and training (20.1%), and insufficient infrastructure (19.1%). Bachelor of pharmacy holders and more experienced pharmacists reported better patient education practices (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Females were more likely to report the need for additional training (p<0.05), and younger groups (18 to 25 years old) and students expressed less interest in patient counselling (p<0.05). Pharmacists reported good patient education practices. The study highlights the need for targeted training programs and systemic improvements to enhance pharmacists’ role in asthma care.
- Asthma care
- Barriers
- Community pharmacists
- Counseling practices
- Iraq
- Knowledge gaps
- Patient education
- Training
How to Cite
References
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