Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 115 in total

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  1. Improvised pharmaceutical work in Malaya
    HORNE DE
    Pharm J, 1946 Oct 26;103(4330):265 passim.
    PMID: 21002932
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies*
  2. The in vitro hippocampal slice technique as a tool for studying the central nervous system
    El-Sabban F, Zariah A, Murgan V
    JUMMEC, 2000;5:17-23.
    The use of brain slice preparatiotis has become ilicreasiligly popular among scientists of different disciplines in recent decades for the study of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) in general and of synaptic phenomena in particular. The in vitro hippocampal slice may be the single most used preparation, among other slices of different parts of the brain areas. The use of brain slices in different experimental work offers certain advantages over the in vivo approaches to the study of the CNS; however, such preparations may have some limitations. This review describes the hippocampal slice technique, explores some of the different types of studies in which it was employed and points out the advantages and limitations of its use. KEYWORDS: Hippocalnpal slices, brain slices, technique, synaptic function, electrophysiology, in vitvo.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  3. Are essential medicines in Malaysia accessible, affordable and available?
    Saleh K, Ibrahim MI
    Pharm World Sci, 2005 Dec;27(6):442-6.
    PMID: 16341951 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-005-1318-8
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the pharmaceutical sector to know whether people have access to essential medicines.

    SETTING: The study was conducted in 20 public health clinics, five public district drug stores and 20 private retail pharmacies selected randomly in five different areas randomly selected (four states and a federal territory).

    METHOD: The methodology used was adopted from the World Health Organization study protocol. The degree of attainment of the strategic pharmaceutical objectives of improved access is measured by a list of tested indicators. Access is measured in terms of the availability and affordability of essential medicines, especially to the poor and in the public sector. The first survey in the public health clinics and public district drug stores gathered information about current availability of essential medicines, prevalence of stock-outs and affordability of treatment (except drug stores). The second survey assessed affordability of treatment in public health clinics and private retail pharmacies.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Availability, stock-out duration, percent of medicines dispensed, accessibility and affordability of key medicines.

    RESULTS: The average availability of key medicines in the public health clinics for the country was 95.4%. The average stock-out duration of key medicines was 6.5 days. However, average availability of key medicines in the public district drug stores was 89.2%; with an average stock-out duration of 32.4 days. Medicines prescribed were 100% dispensed to the patients. Average affordability for public health clinics was 1.5 weeks salary and for the private pharmacies, 3.7 weeks salary.

    CONCLUSIONS: The present pharmaceutical situation in the context of essential medicines list implementation reflected that the majority of the population in Malaysia had access to affordable essential medicines. If medicines need to be obtained from the private sector, they are hardly affordable. Although the average availability of essential medicines in Malaysia was high being more than 95.0%, in certain areas in Sabah availability was less than 80.0% and still a problem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies*
  4. Fulltext Case mix and cost drivers for cardiology cases in Hospital UKM Cheras Kuala Lumpur
    Amrizal, M.N., Rohaizat, Y.B., Saperi, S., SyedMohamed Aljunid
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2006;6(1):11-16.
    MyJurnal
    Hospital UKM is the first hospital to implement case·mix system in Malaysia. The objective of the programme is to utilise case-mix system as a tool in improving efficiency and quality of care. From July 2002 to June 2004, a total of 35,568 cases were grouped using IRDRG-Version 1.1 case-mix grouper. Out of these, 3,622 cases or 10.2 % were cardiology cases in MDC 05 (Diseases and Disorders of the Circulatory System). Medical Cardiology cases consist of 86.5% and the remaining 13.5% were Surgical Cardiology. Most of the cases were in severity level one (43.4%), 29.5 % in severity level two and 27.1% in severity level three. The mortality rates for severity level one, two and three were 1.0%, 2.6% and 11.5% respectively. Top three cardiology cases were Acute Myocardial Infarction Without Comorbidity and Complication (IRDRG 05331) (8.4%), Acute Myocardial Infarction With Major Comorbidity and Complication (IRDRG 05333) (7.6%) and Cardiac Catheterization for Ischemic Heart Disease Without Comorbidity and Complication (IRDRG 05311) (7.4%). Step-down costing was carried out to obtain the cost for each DRG group. The mean cost per episode of care for Medical Cardiology cases was RM 3,562 (SD= RM 2, 1 19) with average LOS of 6.4 days (SD= 3 .8days) . For the Surgical Cardiology cases, the mean cost per episode ofcare was RM 6,526 (SD= RM 4,585) and average LOS of5.8 days (SD= 4.1 days). The main components of cost for Medical Cardiology cases are ICU cost (28.8%), pharmacy (17.3%) and Ward Services (15.3%). In Surgical Cardiology, the biggest component of cost was for Operation Theatre (27.9%), followed by Ward Services (25 .4%) and pharmacy (8.5%). Multivariate analysis using multiple linear regression showed that factors which significantly influence the treatment cost of cardiology cases were length of stay, age of the patient, discharge outcome, case type ('surgical partition') and severity level.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  5. Fulltext A descriptive cross sectional study on patient satisfaction in a private hospital in Selangor
    Narimah, A.H.H., Shahril Rizwan, O., N Nadhrah, N.R., Adlina, S., Hakimi, Z.A., Nuraliza, A.S.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2006;6(2):6-12.
    MyJurnal
    This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted to assess patient's satisfaction by evaluating the waiting time experienced by 27 (54%) inpatients and 23 (46%) outpatients who sought treatment at a private hospital in Selangor from 15th of May 2006 until 3rd of]une 2006. Majority of the patients (78%) were in the range between Z 1 - 40 years old and well»educated. Almost half (48%) were in the human resources employment category, 20% were in administration and marketing and 10% were professionals. Majority of them earned from RM1000-1999 (34%) and RMZ000-3999 (32%). Almost all of them (96%) agreed that the medical care that they had been receiving in the hospital was just about perfect. 98% agreed that the doctors treated them in a very friendly and courteous manner and 96% rated the care given by nurses as g0od/ excellent. 88% to 92% said that their communication with the doctors, nurses and other staff were good/ excellent. 80% waited less than 15 minutes at the registration counter, 52% waited less than 15 minutes to see the doctor and 44% waited less than 15 minutes at other places such as pharmacy and x-ray. Overall, 94% rated the level of services in the hospital as good/ excellent, Almost all (90%) would like to recommend the hospital to their friends and relatives. Our study demonstrated that the majority of the patients were satisfied with the doctors, nurses and environment of the private hospital. The average waiting time of patient before being attended to by a doctor was less than 30 minutes.

    Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  6. Medicines prices and Malaysia--untangling the medicines web
    Hill S
    PLoS Med, 2007 Mar 27;4(3):e149.
    PMID: 17388686
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies/economics
  7. Evaluating drug prices, availability, affordability, and price components: implications for access to drugs in Malaysia
    Babar ZU, Ibrahim MI, Singh H, Bukahri NI, Creese A
    PLoS Med, 2007 Mar 27;4(3):e82.
    PMID: 17388660
    Malaysia's stable health care system is facing challenges with increasing medicine costs. To investigate these issues a survey was carried out to evaluate medicine prices, availability, affordability, and the structure of price components.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies/economics
  8. Fulltext Dietary supplementation among doctors in Kelantan
    Rohana Abdul Jalil, Zulkifli Ahmad
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2007;7(1):60-63.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of the study is to describe the usage of dietary supplemenu among doctors working in the hospitals in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The method used was a postal questionaire survey of the doctors, both specialists and medical officers working in these hospitals. The results showed that
    only 28.7% of the doctors are taking dietary supplements. Significantly more female doctors and doctors on long term medication, were taking these supplements. The dietary supplements commonly used were multivitamins and minerals (92.3%), garlic (26.9%), vitamin C (26.9%) and
    lecithin (15.4%). The majority of the doctors who took dietary supplements (60%) felt their health status have improved. These supplements were mostly obtained from hospital pharmacies. Doctors who puchase their own supplements spend between RMIO to RMIZO per month. The main reasons given for taking these supplements were that the doctors jfelt healthier' and to ‘prevent or as a supplementary treatment’ for conditions like hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and cancers. There were four doctors who regularly use traditional dietary supplements. Most doctors will generally advice their patients and children to take dietary supplements regularly, as they felt that it is important for health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  9. Fulltext Implementation of the benchmarking guidelines on community pharmacies in Malaysia
    Chua, Siew Siang, Wong, Wai Kee, Lee, Hong Gee, Richard, Yvonne, Jennifer, Tan See Hui
    Malaysian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 2008;6(1):13-31.
    MyJurnal
    The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) adopted a set of Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) guidelines in 1993 and recommended that the regulatory bodies of individual countries should adapt the guidelines in accordance with their resources. The Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) introduced its benchmarking guidelines (BMG) in 2003 as a means to raise the professional standards of the community pharmacy practice in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the extent to which community pharmacies have adopted the BMG. A cross-sectional study was conducted using mail questionnaires, which were posted to all community pharmacies in Malaysia. A total of 371 questionnaires (29.2%) were returned. Only 51.0% of the respondents were aware of the BMG. The extent of compliance with the guidelines was 62.6+21.1% (mean + standard deviation), with a median of 65%. The type and ownership of the community pharmacies were significantly associated with compliance with certain aspects of the guidelines. The main problem in complying with the BMG was financial constraint, and this problem was more likely to occur with independent than with chain pharmacies. However, the respondents generally agreed that most aspects of the BMG could be achieved in less than five years. Since the level of awareness among community pharmacists regarding the BMG is low, the MPS should promote or publicise the BMG further. The BMG should be reviewed before being used as part of the criteria for the accreditation of community pharmacies, as proposed by the MPS to further improve the quality and standards of community pharmacies in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  10. Fulltext Pharmaceutical service during flood in Johore State
    Maimunah, W., Kwong, CS, Siti Rozana, M.S., Shahariah, A.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):132-137.
    MyJurnal
    Objective : This scientific writing is meant for describing the problems faced by pharmacy staffs during heavy flood situations in Johore and the actions to be taken for solving these problems.
    Methodology : This finding is in accordance to the observations, experiences and interview of staffs (through questionnaires), who are involved directly and indirectly in preparations of emergency during flood. Efficiency of pharmaceutical services provided during flood is evaluated.
    Result : Several problems were identified when providing pharmaceutical services, such as purchasing and supplying of items, pre-packing, preparing drug charts, visit to relief centers, post-flood health campaign, and doctors from NGOs prescibing medicines out of MOH drug formulary. During the period of flood, usage of drug and non-drug items increases drastically resulting in the current stock in store were not sufficient to compensate for the high demand. Moreover, inaccessibility of certain roads in districts such as Segamat and Kota Tinggi, aggravated and worsen the problems of obtaining goods from suppliers. Workload of pharmacy staffs increased especially in activities such as pre-packing and preparing drug charts due to shortage of manpower.
    Conclusion : Even though workload increased drastically during flood, pharmaceutical services provided by the state pharmacy are still able to maintain good quality services to cater for the need of healthcare professionals and patients. Throughout the flood period, all the difficulties and hurdles faced by us had been solved; due to the cooperation from other agencies. Besides, by writing this article, a disaster preparedness guideline is produced for the purpose of improving management of future disasters.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  11. Fulltext Validation and Psychometric Properties of Bahasa Malaysia Version of the Depression Anxiety And Stress Scales (DASS) Among Diabetic Patients
    Ramli, M., Salmiah, M.A., Nurul Ain, M.
    Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;18(2):1-6.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Having a validated questionnaire in any field would nurture a research path in that particular area. The aim of this study was to validate the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21-item (DASS-21) Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version among clinical subjects who were diabetic patients. Objectives: To determine the reliability and construct validity of the BM DASS by looking at internal consistency and exploratory factor analysis respectively. Methods: The BM DASS was administered to a total of 153 diabetic patients. These patients were selected when they came to 15 retail pharmacies all over the Klang Valley. Results: The BM DASS-21 had very good Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.75, 0.74 and 0.79, respectively for depression, anxiety and stress subscales. For construct validity, it also had good factor loading values for 17 out of 21 items (.31 to .75). Conclusions: The results of this study entrenched the evidence that the BM DASS-21 had excellent psychometric properties and therefore it is suitable to be used for the Malaysian clinical population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  12. Fulltext Students’ perspectives on pharmacy curriculum in a Malaysian university
    Qais Alefan, Haniki Nik Mohamad, M., Awaisu, A., Tariq A. Razak, Jamalludin A. Rahman
    Malaysian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 2009;7(2):125-136.
    MyJurnal
    Institutions of higher learning are working hard to provide effective, high quality educational programs. Meanwhile, potential students are also looking at “quality” as a metric to help make their decisions about which college to join. Mechanisms to evaluate the quality of higher education offered in universities are already available. This study aimed to determine students’ attitudes and opinions regarding the pharmacy curriculum at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). A survey instrument was administered to all final year bachelor of pharmacy (BPharm) students. Forty students (93%) completed and returned the survey. The majority of students (75%) expressed their satisfaction regarding the curriculum in general. Most students (74%) were also satisfied with the courses offered by the department of pharmacy practice. However, students were not satisfied with certain issues such as overlapping of some pharmacy practice courses, and the inclusion of the Malaysian language course in the BPharm curriculum.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  13. Fulltext Evaluation of anti-hypertensive drug utilisation and cost in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan.
    Azarisman S.M.S., Aszrin A., Sahimi M.S., Ngow, Harris, Marzuki A.O., Jamalludin A.R., et al.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2009;8(2):29-36.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Malaysia. The prevalence of hypertension nearly doubled over a ten-year period (1986 – 1996). This has resulted in a significant rise in its attendant cost. We aim to review the institutional anti-hypertensive use, the cost incurred and the implications on management in our local setting. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of the annual cost (2006) of anti-hypertensive medications was undertaken at the Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, a 600-bed major regional hospital on the east-coast of Malaysia. The total number of prescriptions given out and the total cost per drug is then factored to give the annual cost per drug per person in a percentage of the total annual expenditure.Results: The majority of patients were on either 2 (46.5%) or 3 (25.9%) anti-hypertensives. The most frequently prescribed medications were ACE Inhibitors (33.45%), Calcium channel blockers (29.63%), diuretics (16.67%) and β-blockers (13.64%). In terms of cost however, the Calcium channel blockers constituted the greatest percentage of the annual anti-hypertensive budget (63.67%) compared to ACE Inhibitors at just 20.04% of the annual expenditure. The least costly group of drugs is the diuretic making up 16.67% of the total annual prescriptions but only constituting 1.23% of the annual cost. Conclusion: The majority of patients were on ACE Inhibitors and/or Calcium channel blockers. This has huge monetary implications as they represent a large proportion of the annual antihypertensive allocation. There may be a need to reverse the trend in the developing world due to cost restrictions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  14. A prospective study on the pattern of medication use for schizophrenia in the outpatient pharmacy department, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Selangor, Malaysia
    Ponto T, Ismail NI, Abdul Majeed AB, Marmaya NH, Zakaria ZA
    Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 2010 Jul-Aug;32(6):427-32.
    PMID: 20852752 DOI: 10.1358/mf.2010.32.6.1477907
    Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder and pharmacotherapy plays a major role in its management. The 1950s and early 1960s saw milestones in the introduction of psychotropic drugs in clinical practice. A review of drug prescriptions in different settings provides an insight into the pattern of drug use, identifies drug-related problems and may be used to compare recommended guidelines with actual practice. This effort led to the evaluation of the drug prescribing pattern of antipsychotics in patients attending the psychiatric clinic at a government hospital. The data from 371 antipsychotic medication prescriptions that included 200 prescriptions for schizophrenia were collected during one month (1rst-31rst August 2008) at the outpatient pharmacy department. The mean age of patients was 35.0 years (SD = 1.131), with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The most widely used oral antipsychotic was haloperidol (16.3%) while the most common depot preparation prescribed was zuclopenthixol decanoate (8.8%). The daily dose of the average antipsychotic prescribed in this clinic was 342.06 mg equivalent of chlorpromazine. There was no relation between the doses received and ethnicity of the patient (Malay, Chinese or Indian). However, there was a significant relationship between the prescribed dose and patient age (P < 0.042). Nearly 32% of the schizophrenia patients were prescribed with atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine (10.8%), risperidone (10.0%), quetiapine (7.6%) and clozapine (3.2%). Monotherapy was given to 73.0% of the schizophrenia patients. The majority of patients also received antidepressants. To conclude, this study gave evidence that physicians had a strong preference for monotherapy with conventional antipsychotic drugs while the use of atypical drugs was less prevalent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  15. Exploring community pharmacists' views on generic medicines: a nationwide study from Malaysia
    Chong CP, Hassali MA, Bahari MB, Shafie AA
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2011 Feb;33(1):124-31.
    PMID: 21365404 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-010-9470-1
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Malaysian community pharmacists' views on generic medicines.

    SETTING: A sample of 1419 Malaysian community pharmacies with resident pharmacists.

    METHOD: A cross-sectional nationwide survey using a self-completed mailing questionnaire.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pharmacists' views on generic medicines including issues surrounding efficacy, safety, quality and bioequivalence.

    RESULTS: Responses were received from 219 pharmacies (response rate 15.4%). Only 50.2% of the surveyed pharmacists agreed that all products that are approved as generic equivalents can be considered therapeutically equivalent with the innovator medicines. Around 76% of respondents indicated that generic substitution of narrow therapeutic index medicines is inappropriate. The majority of the pharmacists understood that a generic medicine must contain the same amount of active ingredient (84.5%) and must be in the same dosage form as the innovator brand (71.7%). About 21% of respondents though that generic medicines are of inferior quality compared to innovator medicines. Most of the pharmacists (61.6%) disagreed that generic medicines produce more side-effects than innovator brand. Pharmacists graduated from Malaysian universities, twinning program and overseas universities were not differed significantly in their views on generic medicines. Additionally, the respondents appeared to have difficulty in ascertaining the bioequivalent status of the marketed generic products in Malaysia.

    CONCLUSION: The Malaysian pharmacists' have lack of information and/or trust in the generic manufacturing and/or approval system in Malaysia. This issue should be addressed by pharmacy educators and relevant government agencies.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  16. Fulltext Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic usage: a cross-sectional study among the general public in the state of Penang, Malaysia
    Oh AL, Hassali MA, Al-Haddad MS, Syed Sulaiman SA, Shafie AA, Awaisu A
    J Infect Dev Ctries, 2011 May;5(5):338-47.
    PMID: 21628809
    INTRODUCTION: Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics play a vital role in the success of the treatment process. This study aimed to assess public knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic usage which could serve as baseline data for future studies within a government hospital setting in Malaysia.
    METHODOLOGY: A self-administered cross-sectional survey involving 408 respondents was conducted using a validated questionnaire at an outpatient pharmacy department in Penang Hospital, Malaysia, from February to March 2009.
    RESULTS: Nearly 55% of the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge. Three quarters of the respondents (76.7%) could correctly identify that antibiotics are indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections. However, 67.2% incorrectly thought that antibiotics are also used to treat viral infections. About 59.1% of the respondents were aware of antibiotic resistance phenomena in relation to overuse of antibiotics. With regard to attitudes, 38% believed that taking antibiotics when having cold symptoms could help them to recover faster, while 47.3% expected antibiotics to be prescribed for common cold symptoms. Age, race and educational level were among the demographic characteristics significantly associated with knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic use. Poor level of knowledge was found in less than one-third of the respondents whereas more than one-third of the respondents wrongly self-medicate themselves with antibiotics once they have a cold.
    CONCLUSION: Educational interventions are needed to promote prudent use of antibiotics among the public.
    Study site: outpatient pharmacy, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  17. Fulltext An evaluation of consumers' perceptions regarding "modern medicines" in penang, malaysia
    Babar ZU, Hassali MA, Shyong TL, Hin TK, Cien CS, Bin LS, et al.
    J Young Pharm, 2012 Apr;4(2):108-13.
    PMID: 22754263 DOI: 10.4103/0975-1483.96625
    The objective of this study was to evaluate consumers' perceptions regarding "modern medicines" in Penang, Malaysia. To conduct this exploratory study, qualitative techniques were used. Consumers more than 19 years of age and could speak English, who had visited a pharmacy in the last 30 days, were included from the four major areas of Penang. Eighteen interviews were conducted until the point of saturation. The interviews were audio-taped and then transcribed verbatim for thematic content analysis. Many consumers correctly identified the major characteristics and properties of modern medicines; however, others raised doubts regarding the safety, quality and efficacy of "modern medicines". There were many misconceptions such as "all modern medicines can cause dependence", traditional medicines are completely "free of side-effects" and "Western medicines cure while Chinese medicines don't". Color was also considered a strong determinant of the safety and characteristics of a medicine. Regarding consumers' "medicine information seeking behavior", many consumers would seek information from doctors and pharmacists; however, there were others, who would look for books, or get it from the internet and friends. Of concern many consumers emphasized that while "self-searching for drug information" they would only look for side-effects. Misconceptions regarding medicine-taking behavior, medicine use and compliance were also identified. Though several consumers complied with the medicine-taking instructions, many reported that they would stop taking medicines, once they feel better. Though many consumers correctly identified the characteristics of "modern medicines", misconceptions regarding "medicine information sources and "medicine-taking behavior" were rampant. The situation demands corrective actions including community-oriented educational campaigns to improve "medicine use" in the society.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  18. Prevalence and usage of printed and electronic drug references and patient medication records in community pharmacies in Malaysia
    Usir E, Lua PL, Majeed AB
    J Pharm Pract, 2012 Jun;25(3):374-80.
    PMID: 22551563 DOI: 10.1177/0897190012442218
    This study aimed to determine the availability and usage of printed and electronic references and Patient Medication Record in community pharmacy. It was conducted for over 3 months from 15 January to 30 April 2007. Ninety-three pharmacies participated. Structured questionnaires were mailed to community pharmacies. Six weeks later a reminder was sent to all non responders, who were given another six weeks to return the completed questionnaire. Outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test of independence. Almost all the pharmacies (96.8%) have at least Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMS) while 78.5% have at least MIMS ANNUAL in their stores. Only about a third (31.2%) of the pharmacies were equipped with online facilities of which the majority referred to medical websites (88.9%) with only a minority (11.1%) referring to electronic journals. More than half (59.1%) of the pharmacists kept Patient Medication Record profiles with 49.1% storing it in paper, 41.8% electronically and 9.1% in both printed and electronic versions. In general, prevalence and usage of electronic references in community pharmacies were rather low. Efforts should be increased to encourage wider usage of electronic references and Patient Medication Records in community pharmacies to facilitate pharmaceutical care.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies/trends; Pharmacies/utilization*
  19. Compliance with legal requirements at community pharmacies: a cross sectional study from Pakistan
    Hussain A, Ibrahim MI, Baber ZU
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2012 Jun;20(3):183-90.
    PMID: 22554161 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7174.2011.00178.x
    The study evaluated the compliance of community pharmacies with legal requirements as laid down by the drug regulatory framework in Pakistan.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies/legislation & jurisprudence*
  20. Fulltext A cross sectional study of public knowledge and attitude towards antibiotics in Putrajaya, Malaysia
    Lim KK, Teh CC
    South Med Rev, 2012 Dec;5(2):26-33.
    PMID: 23532680
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess public knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic utilization in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
    METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among public attending a local hospital. The four-part questionnaire collected responses on demographic characteristics, recent use of antibiotics, knowledge and attitude statements. Cronbach's alpha for knowledge and attitude statements were 0.68 and 0.74 respectively. Only questionnaires with complete responses were analysed. General linear modelling was used to identify demographic characteristics which contributed significantly to knowledge and attitude. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds ratios of obtaining an inappropriate response for each knowledge and attitude statement. The relationship between antibiotic knowledge and attitude was examined using Pearson's correlation and correlation between related statements was performed using the Chi-square test. In all statistical analyses, a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
    RESULTS: There was positive correlation (p<0.001) between mean knowledge (6.07±2.52) and attitude scores (5.59±1.67). Highest education level (p<0.001) and healthcare-related occupation (p=0.001) contributed significantly to knowledge. Gender (p=0.010), race (p=0.005), highest education level (p<0.001), employment status (p=0.016) and healthcare-related occupation (p=0.005) contributed significantly to attitude. The differences in score between demographic groups were small. Misconceptions that antibiotics would work on both bacterial and viral infections were reported. Approximately three quarters of respondents expected antibiotics for treatment of coughs and colds. Close to two thirds (60%) believed that taking antibiotics would improve recovery. Several demographic groups were identified as 'high risk' with respect to gaps in knowledge and attitude.
    CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified important knowledge and attitude gaps as well as people 'at risk'. These findings would be useful in strategizing targeted antibiotic awareness campaigns and patient counselling.
    KEYWORDS: Malaysia; antibiotic; attitude; knowledge; public; survey
    Study site: outpatient pharmacy department of Putrajaya Hospital, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
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