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  1. A Razak NF, Abd Karim RH, Jamal JA, Said MM
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 Nov;12(Suppl 2):S752-S757.
    PMID: 33828373 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_364_19
    Introduction: The appendage of "halal" to a product is not just a guarantee that the product is permitted for Muslims, but it has also become favorable lifestyle choice globally. However, the expansion of halal pharmaceutical market was hindered by lack of global halal standards for pharmaceutical ingredients and product integrity analytical methodology.

    Objective: This work aimed to explore the possibility of using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics to develop multivariate models to authenticate the "halal-ity" of pharmaceutical excipients with controversial halal status (e.g., magnesium stearate).

    Materials and Methods: The FTIR spectral fingerprints of the substance were used to build principal component analysis (PCA) models. The effects of different spectral pretreatment processes such as auto-scaling, baseline correction, standard normal variate (SNV), first, and second derivatives were evaluated. The optimization of the model performance was established to ensure the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the predicted models.

    Results: Significant peaks corresponding to the properties of the compound were identified. For both bovine and plant-derived magnesium stearate, the peaks associated can be seen within the regions 2900cm-1 (C-H), 2800cm-1 (CH3), 1700cm-1 (C=O), and 1000-1300cm-1 (C-O). There was not much difference observed in the FTIR raw spectra of the samples from both sources. The quality and accuracy of the classification models by PCA and soft independent modeling classification analogy (SIMCA) have shown to improve using spectra optimized by first derivative followed by SNV smoothing.

    Conclusion: This rapid and cost-effective technique has the potential to be expanded as an authentication strategy for halal pharmaceuticals.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy
  2. A Wahab I, Goh KW, Zainal ZA, Mohamed Yusof NS, Huri HZ, Jacob SA, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Aug 05;19(15).
    PMID: 35954990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159629
    The global depression burden has remained a challenge throughout the pre- and post-pandemic era. The pandemic effect has led to the spiraling of mental disorders among young people who will be the next generation of leaders. This study aims to identify university students’ sociodemographic, psychosocial and academic backgrounds and performance associated with depression symptoms for the development of primary and secondary preventive strategies for mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to 19 institutions in Malaysia offering a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree program. The self-rated Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42) was used to assess depression symptoms. Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the investigated variables with depression symptoms. Independent T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare means of depression score across variables. Binary logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between the investigated variables and depression symptoms. A total of 610 pharmacy students participated, of which 47% (n = 289/610) were having depression symptoms. Students who smoke nicotine and those who have separated parents, family history of mental illness, and poor academic performance were associated with depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Differences in geographical areas, race and religion also showed significant associations with depression symptoms. Parental marital status, poor academic performance, history of mental illness and comorbidities were statistically predicting depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Primary preventive strategies allowing students to harness healthy coping skills for stress, nicotine-free campaigns and a holistic curriculum are warranted. Secondary measures on mindfulness and compassion skills activities to benefit students who experienced early life crises are highly recommended. Enforcing these targeted strategies in collaboration with health and social sectors should be the primary agenda of universities to ensure their uptake.
    Matched MeSH terms: Students, Pharmacy*
  3. Ab Rahman AF
    Bull World Health Organ, 2019 Nov 01;97(11):730.
    PMID: 31673185 DOI: 10.2471/BLT.19.245019
    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services
  4. Ab Rahman AF, Bahari MB
    Am J Health Syst Pharm, 2004 Dec 15;61(24):2687-9.
    PMID: 15646704
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy, Graduate/methods; Education, Pharmacy, Graduate/organization & administration; Education, Pharmacy, Graduate/standards*; Schools, Pharmacy/classification; Schools, Pharmacy/standards*
  5. Ababneh BF, Ong SC, Hussain R
    PLoS One, 2023;18(3):e0282991.
    PMID: 36897873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282991
    INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of attention to drive-thru services in the community pharmacy setting, particularly during the COVID-19 period in Malaysia. The main objective of this study was to assess the public awareness, attitudes, and perceptions towards drive-thru community pharmacy services among during COVID-19 in Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administrated, web-based survey (Google form) among the public in Malaysia between May and June 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. Associations between the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and the use of drive-thru community pharmacy services were assessed using a chi-square test. Regression analyses were carried out to determine whether the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were associated with perceptions towards drive-thru community pharmacy services.

    RESULTS: A total of 565 (70.6%) of the general public completed the survey instrument. The median age of study participants was 40.0 (IQR = 36.0) and about half of them were males (50.6%, n = 286). Although 18.6% (n = 105) of the participants reported the presence of DTCPS in their cities, only 9.0% (n = 51) reported having used this service. Most of the participants were supportive to establish drive-thru services at community pharmacies in the country. Most of the believed advantages among participants were that DTCPS are helpful during COVID-19 and quarantine time 48.0% (n = 271) by enhancing social distancing and reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus 48.5% (n = 274). Among sociodemographic factors, non-Malaysian nationality (p<0.001), and age above 55 years (p = 0.01) were found to negatively affect participants' perceptions towards drive-thru community pharmacy services.

    CONCLUSION: This study showed positive awareness, attitudes, and perceptions toward drive-thru community pharmacy services during COVID-19 in Malaysia among the public. The participants believed that those services were helpful during COVID-19 to enhance social distancing and to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*
  6. Ababneh BF, Ong SC, Alsaloumi L, Hussain R
    Front Public Health, 2023;11:1144466.
    PMID: 37601205 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144466
    INTRODUCTION: Community pharmacists' roles have expanded and undergone a significant transition over the last few years. Consequently, new and different pharmacy services, such as drive-thru pharmacy services, have emerged. Drive-thru pharmacy services began three decades ago and continued even during outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients' perceptions are essential to the successful implementation and satisfaction with any new service. This study examines the reliability and validity of the assessment tool of public perceptions toward drive-thru community pharmacy services in Malaysia during COVID-19.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The developed tool consists of 28 items to evaluate believed advantages toward drive-thru community pharmacy services, believed disadvantages toward drive-thru community pharmacy services, differences between drive-thru community pharmacy services and instore drug refill services, perceptions toward drive-thru community pharmacy services and feelings regarding how the introduction of drive-thru pharmacy services may affect the image of community pharmacists. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to identify the factors of the developed tool, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated the model fitness.

    RESULTS: The EFA identified five elements and 25 items for the tool, and through CFA results, the observed model of the 25 items structure of the tool was verified as an excellent fit for the data [χ2 (265, N = 565) = 819.586, p < 0.001, IFI = 0.931, CFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.064]. The results of the CFA indicated a good model fit between the observed model and the proposed model. The internal reliability of the entire tool and each factor was very satisfactory as Cronbach's Alpha for the whole structured tool was 0.843 and for each factor was as follows, first factor (believed advantages) = 0.909, second factor (believed disadvantages) = 0.921, third factor (differences between drive-thru and instore refill) = 0.647, fourth factor (perceptions) = 0.926, and fifth factor (feelings) = 0.681.

    CONCLUSION: The developed and validated tool would be valuable for assessing the public's perceptions of the drive-thru community pharmacy service during COVID-19 and future pandemics.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*
  7. Abd Wahab MS, Wan Ismail WNS, Ali AA, Ibrahim N, Othman N, Mohd Nor Hazalin NA, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 01;19(17).
    PMID: 36078618 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710901
    Background: Self-learning (SL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative to acquire knowledge with or without the help of others. Knowledge about herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) is important for pharmacists. Unfortunately, there is limited coverage of topics relating to HDS in the pharmacy curricula. The present focus group study applies the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore pharmacy students' practices and beliefs regarding SL about HDS (SL-HDS). Methods: Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted between April and May 2019 among a sample of undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university (n = 20). Four FGI sessions were conducted, each lasting about 60 to 75 min, and all the sessions were audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Beliefs about SL-HDS were categorised into 12 domains based on the TDF. Students showed positive attitudes towards SL-HDS and agreed that their involvement in SL-HDS was instrumental in improving their knowledge about various aspects of HDS including indications, adverse effects, and HDS-drug interactions. Various facilitators and barriers influencing students' participation in SL-HDS were uncovered (e.g., access to the internet, time, availability of reference resources). The students demanded to be equipped with critical appraisal skills, as they had limited confidence in assessing literature or information about HDS. Conclusion: This study revealed that the students saw the benefits of SL-HDS. They also perceived that engaging in SL-HDS is compatible with the role of pharmacy students. The findings showed students' readiness and willingness to conduct SL-HDS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*; Students, Pharmacy*
  8. Abubakar U, Muhammad HT, Sulaiman SAS, Ramatillah DL, Amir O
    Curr Pharm Teach Learn, 2020 03;12(3):265-273.
    PMID: 32273061 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2019.12.002
    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Training pharmacy students in infectious diseases (ID) is important to enable them to participate in antibiotic stewardship programs. This study evaluated knowledge and self-confidence regarding antibiotic resistance, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and antibiotic stewardship among final year pharmacy undergraduate students.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted at universities in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan. A 59-item survey was administered between October 2017 and December 2017.

    FINDINGS: The survey was completed by 211 students (response rate 77.8%). The mean knowledge score for antibiotic resistance, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and antibiotic stewardship was 5.6 ± 1.5, 4.7 ± 1.8 (maximum scores 10.0) and 3.1 ± 1.4 (maximum score 5.0), respectively. Significant variations were noted among the schools. There was poor awareness about the consequences of antibiotic resistance and cases with no need for an antibiotic. The knowledge of antibiotic resistance was higher among male respondents (6.1 vs. 5.4) and those who had attended antibiotic resistance (5.7 vs. 5.2) and antibiotic therapy (5.8 vs. 4.9) courses (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy/methods; Education, Pharmacy/standards*; Education, Pharmacy/statistics & numerical data; Students, Pharmacy/psychology*; Students, Pharmacy/statistics & numerical data
  9. Abubakar U, Zulkarnain AI, Samri F, Hisham SR, Alias A, Ishak M, et al.
    BMC Complement Med Ther, 2020 Sep 18;20(1):285.
    PMID: 32948163 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03082-4
    BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea is a common problem that affects female students' quality of life and academic activities. Complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) are used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. This study investigated the practices and perceptions of female undergraduate students with dysmenorrhea towards CATs.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students in a public university in Malaysia using a validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted in November and December 2019. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

    RESULTS: Of the 318 female undergraduate students invited, 219 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 68.9%) with 52% aged between 21 and 23 years. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 72.1%, and the prevalence of ever-use and current use of CATs was 70.3 and 54.4%, respectively. Bed rest (71.5%), hot compress/heating pad (47.5%) and massage (43.0%) were the most common CATs used by the respondents. The most common reasons for using CAT were to reduce the need for analgesics (61.4%), efficacy (37.3%) and recommendation by others (32.9%). About 23 and 9% of the respondents believed that CATs were equally "effective" and "more effective" than analgesics, respectively. Reducing the need for analgesics (AOR: 4.066, 95% CI: 2.136-7.739) and those who agreed that CATs are effective (AOR: 2.701, 95% CI: 1.337-5.457) were independently associated with the current use CATs for the treatment of menstrual pain.

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ever-use and current use of CATs is high among female undergraduate pharmacy students. Bed rest and heat applications are the most common CATs used. Reducing the need for analgesics and efficacy are the factors associated with the current use of CATs. Students should be educated about the safe and effective use of CATs to reduce adverse effects and improve their quality of life.

    Matched MeSH terms: Students, Pharmacy*
  10. Abubakar U, Tangiisuran B
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2020 Apr;42(2):756-764.
    PMID: 32270378 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-020-01019-y
    Background Non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics is common in Nigeria and this could contribute to the emergence of microbial resistance. Objectives To evaluate knowledge, perception and practices of community pharmacists towards dispensing antibiotics without prescription. Setting Community pharmacies in two cities in Northern Nigeria. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in two cities in Northern Nigeria, using a validated and pilot-tested questionnaire. The questionnaire was self-administered and data was collected between 06th April and 31st May 2019. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analyses. Main outcome measure Knowledge, perception and practices towards dispensing antibiotics without prescription. Results A total of 98 out of 130 community pharmacists completed and returned the questionnaire (response rate: 75.3%). About two-third (64.3%) of the community pharmacists were aware that dispensing antibiotics without prescription is illegal. However, this malpractice was common as 39.7% of the respondents indicated that they dispensed antibiotics without prescription five times or more in a day. Antibiotics dispensed without prescription were used for the treatment of urinary tract infections (83.7%), typhoid fever (83.7%) and sexually transmitted infections (66.3%). Pharmacist's confidence in knowledge of antibiotic therapy was the most common reason for non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics. Respondents with less than 5 years of working experience (66.7%) were significantly more likely to dispense antibiotics without prescription 5 times or more in a day compared to those with more than 5 years community pharmacy experience (33.3%), P = 0.031. Conclusion Non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics was common among community pharmacists despite awareness about its prohibition and implications. The malpractice was associated with number of years of community pharmacy experience. Confidence in knowledge of antibiotic therapy was the main reason community pharmacists dispensed antibiotics without prescription. Continuous pharmacy education and training on handling of antibiotics may help to reduce inappropriate practices among community pharmacists.
    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services/standards*
  11. Abubakar U, Azli NASM, Hashim IA, Kamarudin NFA, Latif NAIA, Badaruddin ARM, et al.
    Curr Pharm Teach Learn, 2021 05;13(5):550-555.
    PMID: 33795109 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2021.01.013
    INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the level of grit and its association with academic achievement among pharmacy undergraduate students in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a public university in Malaysia. Data were collected using an electronic, validated, pre-tested modified version of the short Grit scale between December 2019 and January 2020. Correlation between grit and self-reported cumulative grade point average (CGPA) was examined.

    RESULTS: Of 444 students invited to participate, 247 completed the questionnaire (response rate 55.6%). Mean age was 21.4 ± 1.5 years, and 70.6% were female. The mean grit score was 3.1 ± 0.4 (out of 5.0). Students had higher scores in the perseverance of effort subscale (3.3 ± 0.7) than the consistency of interest subscale (2.9 ± 0.5). Students with self-reported CGPAs ≥3.50 had higher mean grit (3.3 ± 0.4) than those with CGPAs of 3.00 to 3.49 (3.0 ± 0.4) and 

    Matched MeSH terms: Students, Pharmacy*
  12. Ahmad A, Khan MU, Patel I, Maharaj S, Pandey S, Dhingra S
    J Res Pharm Pract, 2015 Jan-Mar;4(1):37-41.
    PMID: 25710049 DOI: 10.4103/2279-042X.150057
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of B.Sc. Pharmacy students about usage and resistance of antibiotics in Trinidad and Tobago.
    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study involving B.Sc. Pharmacy students. The questionnaire was divided into five components including Demographics data, knowledge about antibiotic use, attitude toward antibiotic use and resistance, self-antibiotic usage and possible causes of antibiotic resistance. Data were analyzed by employing Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests using SPSS version 20.
    FINDINGS: The response rate was 83.07%. The results showed good knowledge of antibiotic use among students. The overall attitude of pharmacy students was poor. About 75% of participants rarely use antibiotics, whereas self-decision was the major reason of antibiotic use (40.7%) and main source of information was retail pharmacist (42.6%). Common cold and flu is a major problem for which antibiotics were mainly utilized by pharmacy students (35.2%).
    CONCLUSION: The study showed good knowledge of pharmacy students regarding antibiotic usage. However, students' attitude towards antibiotic use was poor. The study recommends future studies to be conducted with interventional design to improve knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students about antibiotic use and resistance.
    KEYWORDS: Antibiotics; Trinidad and Tobago; knowledge; pharmacy students; resistance
    Matched MeSH terms: Students, Pharmacy
  13. Ahmad A, Khan MU, Kumar BD, Kumar GS, Rodriguez SP, Patel I
    Pharmacognosy Res, 2014 10 1;7(4):302-8.
    PMID: 26692742 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.158438
    OBJECTIVES: To assess the beliefs, attitudes and self-use of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) medicines among senior pharmacy students.

    METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among pharmacy students in four pharmacy schools located in Andhra Pradesh in South India. This study was conducted from the August to September 2014. The study population included all pharmacy students enrolled in Doctor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Diploma in Pharmacy programs in studied pharmacy schools. The pretested AYUSH survey had 8 questions on AYUSH related beliefs and 8 question on AYUSH related attitudes. The survey also asked participants about AYUSH related knowledge, frequency of use of AYUSH and the reason for using AYUSH. The data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 20. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test were employed to study the association between the independent and dependent variables.

    RESULTS: A total of 428 pharmacy students participated in the survey. 32.2% of the study population was females and 32.5% of the population resided in rural areas. Males were more likely to have positive beliefs about AYUSH when compared to females (odd ratio [OR] = 4.62, confidence interval [CI] = 2.37-8.99, P < 0.001). Similarly, students living in hostels were more positive in their beliefs about AYUSH compared with students living at home (OR = 2.14, CI = 1.12-4.07, P < 0.05). Students living in hostel also had a positive attitude about AYUSH use (OR = 1.74, CI = 1.03-2.93, P < 0.05).

    CONCLUSION: Pharmacy students held favorable attitude and beliefs about AYUSH use. This baseline survey provides important information about the pharmacy student's perception about AYUSH. Further research is needed to explore the reasons that shape the pharmacy student's beliefs and attitudes about AYUSH.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy; Schools, Pharmacy; Students, Pharmacy
  14. Ahmad A, Khan MU
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2016 04 23;12(5):811-2.
    PMID: 27157865 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2016.04.003
    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services/legislation & jurisprudence; Community Pharmacy Services/organization & administration*; Education, Pharmacy/legislation & jurisprudence; Education, Pharmacy/organization & administration*; Legislation, Pharmacy
  15. Ahmad A, Khan MU, Moorthy J, Jamshed SQ, Patel I
    Pharm Pract (Granada), 2015 03 15;13(1):523.
    PMID: 25883690
    BACKGROUND: There is limited research on pharmacy specialization based differences with regards to usage of antibiotics.

    OBJECTIVE: To compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students about usage and resistance of antibiotics in Southern India.

    METHODS: This was a cross sectional study involving final year BPharm and PharmD students studying in two private institutions located in Andra Pradesh, India. The study was conducted for the period of 3 months. The questionnaire was divided into 5 components: demographics, knowledge about antibiotic use, attitude towards antibiotic use and resistance, self-antibiotic usage, and possible causes of antibiotic resistance. The study questionnaire was assessed for reliability. Data were analysed by employing Mann Whitney and chi square tests using SPSS version 19.

    RESULTS: The sample size comprised of 137 students. The response rate was 76.11% for the study. There was a significant difference in the knowledge of antibiotic use in BPharm and PharmD students (Mean score: 5.09 vs 6.18, p<0.001). The overall attitude of PharmD students about antibiotic use and resistance was positive compared to BPharm students (Mean score: 3.05 vs 2.23, p<0.05). The self-antibiotic practices was higher in BPharm students than PharmD students (36.4% vs 20%, p<0.05). A significantly high number of PharmD students believed that empirical antibiotic therapy led to antibiotic resistance (19.5% versus 48%, P<0.05).

    CONCLUSION: PharmD students were more knowledgeable about antibiotic usage and resistance compared to BPharm students who did not have accurate and the much needed information about the same. Future interventions should be targeted towards educating the BPharm students so that they can implement the acquired knowledge in their practice.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy; Students, Pharmacy
  16. Ahmad Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Ooi GS, Wong ZY
    DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-801714-2.00002-2 ISBN: 978-0-12-801714-2
    Citation: Ahmad Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Ooi GS, Wong ZY. Chapter 2. Pharmacy Practice in Malaysia. In: Fathelrahman AI, Mohamed Ibrahim MI, Wertheimer AI (editors). Pharmacy Practice in Developing Countries: Achievements and Challenges. Amsterdam: Academic Press, Elsevier, 2016

    The professional roles of pharmacists have evolved in many parts of the world in the recent years, including Malaysia. Malaysia is a developing country with a two-tier healthcare system consisting of the public and private sectors. Pharmacy service in Malaysia came into existence in 1951 with the enactment of three main legislations governing its profession namely, the Registration of Pharmacist Act 1951, Poison Act 1952, and Dangerous Drug Act 1952. Currently, there are approximately 10,000 registered pharmacists in Malaysia, with 33% working in the private sector. Clinical pharmacy services at public hospitals have expanded the traditional dispensing role of the pharmacist to a profession that provides pharmaceutical care to patients and drug information to both public and professionals. However, the practice of dispensing private general practitioners has limited the community pharmacist's professional roles to optimize their clinical knowledge and to deliver pharmaceutical care. Transformation of the healthcare system is essential in order to improve pharmacy practice in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy
  17. Ahmadi K, Anwar M, Hassali MA
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2012 Sep 10;76(7):138.
    PMID: 23049110 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe767138
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy/organization & administration*; Education, Pharmacy/standards
  18. Ahmed HM, Ibrahim MI
    Med Teach, 2010;32(4):346-7.
    PMID: 20369399
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*
  19. Ahmed SI, Hassali MA, Aziz NA
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2009 Feb 19;73(1):15.
    PMID: 19513153
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and risk perceptions of University Sains Malaysia final-year pharmacy students regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunity deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

    METHOD: A cross-sectional study among pharmacy students. Data were analyzed with Chi-square to find difference at p value < 0.05.

    RESULTS: The majority of students (83.07%) responded showing a difference in gender and race. Students showed low willingness (9.2%) to assist patients and low confidence (36.1%) in their education about HIV/AIDS patients. Students recommended HIV testing for health care professionals (69.4%) and patients (75.9%) before surgical procedures. Students knew little about Post Exposure Prophylaxis (18.5%) or about the time for HIV to develop into AIDS (57.4%). About 40% of students were unaware of the inability of antivirals to treat HIV/AIDS. Students had low awareness for opportunistic infections (18.5%), and low agreement on competency to treat and counsel HIV patients (12.9%).

    CONCLUSION: The study highlighted students' misconceptions, negative attitudes, and risk perceptions towards HIV/AIDS.

    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy/standards; Students, Pharmacy/psychology*
  20. Al-Gedadi NA, Hassali MA, Shafie AA
    Pharm Pract (Granada), 2008 Apr;6(2):93-7.
    PMID: 25157287
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the consumers' perceptions and knowledge towards issues surrounding generic medicines utilization in Penang, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted with consumers who attended the annual University open day. Using convenience sampling, survey forms were distributed to the respective consumers via the help of a group of trained 1st year pharmacy students. For a period of 5 days, 400 respondents had participated in the survey. Analysis of the response from the collected forms yielded in 396 usable forms.

    RESULTS: Only 28.3% (n=112) of the respondents were familiar with the term "generic medicines". More than 70% of the respondents do not know that generic medicines can be marketed under different names. About 34% (n=38) of consumers stated that they had been given information regarding generics by their pharmacists. In terms of side effects, about 32% (n=127) of the respondents felt that generic medicines may cause more side effects than branded medicines. Majority of the consumers surveyed (64%) understand that generic cost less compared to their branded counterparts.

    CONCLUSION: This survey showed that there is a gap in consumers' knowledge and understanding about generic medicines. The findings also suggest that direct patient education by the healthcare providers on issues relating to safety and efficacy of generic medicines could further enhance their uptake.

    Matched MeSH terms: Students, Pharmacy
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