Knowledge and attitude of Iraqi pharmacists regarding NSAIDs’ adverse effects based on years of experience.

INTRODUCTION: Background: Informing patients about the adverse effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is essential to ensure their safe use. However, scarce information is available on the knowledge and attitude of Iraqi pharmacists regarding the adverse effects of NSAIDs.
Aims: To determine whether the years of experience of Iraqi pharmacists affect their knowledge of the renal and gastrointestinal adverse effects of NSAIDs, as well as their attitude toward informing patients about drug safety.

METHODS: Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and October 2023. A convenience sample of Iraqi pharmacists working in hospitals and/or community pharmacies answered pre-validated questions regarding demographics, knowledge, and attitudes toward NSAIDs adverse effects. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Results: Of the 309 Iraqi pharmacists who participated, 46% had less than four years of experience. 85% had good knowledge of the adverse effects of NSAIDs, but this was unrelated to their years of experience. The dispensing patterns of NSAIDs, age, scientific degrees, and working hours were significantly associated with the knowledge. Negative attitudes were reported more among pharmacists with fewer years of experience than among those with longer years of experience (73% vs. 71%, respectively; p > 0.05). Sixty percent agreed that education about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) increases anxiety and medication nonadherence. Seventy-eight percent agreed that both pharmacists and physicians could improve the patients’ knowledge of ADRs. Pharmacists believed that leaflets may reduce patients’ medication adherence (57%) but help patients improve their medication knowledge (51%; p < 0.05) and monitor and report ADRs (56%; p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Conclusion: Regardless of years of experience, a good knowledge and negative attitudes were found regarding NSAIDs safety information. Pharmacists and doctors play an important role in ensuring proper drug use. Leaflets serve as a source of information but can also lead to medication non-adherence.