Knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices of South African pharmacists regarding pediatric pharmaceutical care

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Evidence on South African pharmacists’ pediatric knowledge is limited. This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices of South African pharmacists regarding pediatric pharmaceutical care. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted among registered South African pharmacists. The survey, which was developed by the researcher based on previous studies, consisted of 4 sections: demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices. Contact information of pharmacists was obtained from The South African Pharmacy Council. Pharmacists were invited to participate via email, and a reminder email was sent after 2 weeks. The study was closed 3 days thereafter. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (significance set at p < 0.05), and qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 436 surveys were fully completed (response rate of 2.4%). The median knowledge score of pharmacists was 9 out of 12 (IQR, 8–10). Participants performed well (90% correct) in questions on basic pediatric medicine, but more poorly in questions on pediatric dose calculations (66% correct), formulation challenges (67% correct), and pharmacokinetics (55% correct). There was no significant correlation between knowledge scores and years of practice, sector of practice, highest qualification, or training in pediatrics. There was a statistically significant correlation between participant knowledge and attitude scores (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION The study sample possesses knowledge of basic pediatric principles; however, gaps in knowledge remain. Participants expressed a lack of perceived preparedness for pediatric care following undergraduate training, underscoring the need for further research and educational reform.