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  1. Javed A, Lee C, Zakaria H, Buenaventura RD, Cetkovich-Bakmas M, Duailibi K, et al.
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2021 Apr;58:102601.
    PMID: 33611083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102601
    Mental health disorders are a burgeoning global public health challenge, and disproportionately affect the poor. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear 80 % of the mental health disease burden. Stigma associated with mental health results in delayed help seeking, reduced access to health services, suboptimal treatment, poor outcomes and an increased risk of individuals' human rights violations. Moreover, widespread co-occurrence of physical comorbidities such as noncommunicable diseases with mental health disorders makes the treatment of both conditions challenging and worsens prognosis. This paper explores various aspects of stigma towards mental health with a focus on LMICs and assesses measures to increase help-seeking and access to and uptake of mental health services. Stigma impacts persons living with mental illness, their families and caregivers and healthcare professionals (mental health professionals, non-psychiatric specialists and general practitioners) imparting mental health care. Cultural, socio-economic and religious factors determine various aspects of mental health in LMICs, ranging from perceptions of health and illness, health seeking behavior, attitudes of the individuals and health practitioners and mental health systems. Addressing stigma requires comprehensive and inclusive mental health policies and legislations; sustainable and culturally-adapted awareness programs; capacity building of mental health workforce through task-shifting and interprofessional approaches; and improved access to mental health services by integration with primary healthcare and utilizing existing pathways of care. Future strategies targeting stigma reduction must consider the enormous physical comorbidity burden associated with mental health, prioritize workplace interventions and importantly, address the deterioration of population mental health from the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  2. Azer, Samy A.
    Medical Health Reviews, 2008;2008(1):81-95.
    MyJurnal
    With the introduction of problem-based learning (PBL) in medical and health professionals’ undergraduate courses, self-directed learning (also known as self-regulated learning) becomes an integral component of the learning process. There may be slight variations in how educators and students perceive self-directed learnin .However, self-directed learning provides an opportunity for collaborative discussion of the new information collected and allows learners to construct new knowledge as they address their learning issues. Therefore, self-directed learning is not just about researching for new knowledge or finding answers for questions; self-directed learning is about developing competencies, skills and attitudes that foster the learning processes. Interestingly, not all learners will be able to adapt this approach of learning once they enroll in a PBL course. The process will develop gradually and require a number of actions from the learner, including: (i) Realising the need to change their learning style to suite the needs of the medical curriculum, (ii) constructing a plan that accommodates the new learning objectives, (iii) Practicing self-directed learning and sharing their experiences with peers, and (iv) Continuing evaluation of their self-directed learning approach and improving their learning style. Therefore, the aims of this manuscript are: (i) discuss the meaning of self-directed learning in the context of PBL, and review the research outcomes in this area, (ii) understand the different factors that may affect student’s self-directed learning strategies, and (iii) briefly explore the meaning of construction of knowledge and how it can enforce students’ self-directed learning, integration of knowledge and deeper understanding of topics learnt.
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  3. Pasi H, Md Isa Z, Azhar Shah S
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Feb 26;19(2):395-400.
    PMID: 29479988
    Objective: To determine the perceived risk of developing cancer in a suburban community in Malaysia. Methods:
    A cross sectional study using a simple random sampling was conducted among residents aged 18 years old and above
    (n=520) who had never been diagnosed with cancer, in selected households in a suburban area of Pahang state in
    Malaysia. The study instruments were a validated questionnaire on risk perception, an automatic blood pressure monitor,
    a weighing scale and a measuring tape. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0 and
    the p value was taken at p <0.05 as significant. Result: This study revealed that only 5.0 percent individuals perceived
    they were at risk cancer, whilst the perceived severity was 41.3 percent. Multivariable analysis showed a significant
    association only for a family history of cancer (adjusted OR of 4.80; 95% CI = 1.45-15.82) (p=0.010) among this
    population. Conclusion: The perceived risk of developing cancer in the selected suburban community of Pahang state in
    Malaysia is low as compared to that for other non-communicable diseases in this country, whilst the perceived severity
    was higher than for other diseases. Thus, considering the importance of correct perceptions for behavioral changes,
    more health education and promotion is needed to make the community better aware of the actual threat of cancer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  4. Muhamad Aiman Afiq Mohd Noor, Azhari Md Hashim
    MyJurnal
    The relationship between typicality and novelty was discussed in order to identify the significant emotional value arising in the compact car design of Malaysian manufacturers. Typicality and novelty usually are associated with the aesthetic preference of human artefacts as in this study in compact car design. Considering a typical product is rarely new and, conversely, a novel product often labelled as typical, the positive effects of both features seem incompatible. This paper discusses the history of the Malaysian manufacturer’s compact car design according to its timeline and the current market based on its model and achievement. Furthermore, the relationship between compact car design such as the limitation of emotional value arising through typicality and novelty of specific compact car design and how it triggers the user’s perception through its aesthetics form. Hence, a pilot study was conducted to validate a set of stimulus and questionnaires as a way to formulate an actual survey. Finally, the outcome of this study will suggest a way forward in exploring typicality and novelty through a reliable method of compact car design
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  5. Tanusha N, Leelavathi M, Azimah NM
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):763-767.
    PMID: 38031218
    INTRODUCTION: Digital devices are an integral part of children's lives, and its use is associated with both risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to determine parent's perception of digital device use among their preschool children.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of 145 children in the year 2020. Participants were selected using multistage randomisation technique from 10 of the 75 registered government kindergartens in Kota Setar District, Kedah. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and the association between parent's demographic characteristics and the overall perception of digital media use by their preschool children was tested using Chi-square test.

    RESULTS: A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed, and 145 were returned (96.7% response rate) out of which 139 were complete. We found that parent's overall perception of their preschool children using digital devices was mixed, where about one-third of them perceived that digital device use was a risk, one-third perceived it as beneficial while onethird were unsure. The common perception of risk was that digital devices impaired children's physical (71.9-90.6%) and intellectual domains (71.9-86.3%) especially causing damage to eyesight (90.6%), causing addiction (86.3%) and exposed to radiation (81.3%). The perceived benefits of using digital device were mainly in the social domain, promoting technology awareness (64.8%), easily accessible and portable (63.3%) and entertaining (64.0%). They also perceived that digital devices promoted creative and interactive learning (62.6%). Parent's overall perception of digital media use was associated with their employment status (p=0.028).

    CONCLUSION: Parent's overall perception regarding digital device use among their preschool children was mixed. They perceived that digital devices commonly cause risk to the physical and intellectual aspects of their children while there are some benefits to the social aspects. There is an association between parent's overall perception and employment status.

    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  6. Mohamad E, Tham JS, Mohd Ajis SZ, Hamzah MR, Ayub SH, Tri Sakti AM, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 08;19(22).
    PMID: 36429342 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214623
    INTRODUCTION: This study explored exposure to misinformation, COVID-19 risk perception, and confidence towards the government as predictors of negative attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out from 30 June to 30 August 2021 involving 775 respondents. The survey instrument for the questionnaire was an adaptation from various different studies consisting of five main variables: (1) misinformation about vaccination; (2) risk perception toward COVID-19; (3) attitudes toward the vaccination programme; (4) intention to get vaccinated; and (5) public confidence in the government in executing the vaccination programme.

    RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that higher exposure to misinformation led to higher levels of negative attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine. When the perceived risk of COVID-19 infection was high, mistrust of vaccine benefits was low but there were also higher worries about the future effects of the vaccine. Confidence in the government was associated with lower negative attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine.

    CONCLUSION: The results of this study may help develop an understanding of negative attitudes toward vaccinations in Malaysia and its contributing factors.

    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  7. Umat C, Siti Hufaidah K, Azlizawati AR
    Med J Malaysia, 2010 Mar;65(1):7-13.
    PMID: 21265239 MyJurnal
    This study examined auditory functionality and early use of speech in a group of paediatric cochlear implant users. Parents of 33 implanted children from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Cochlear Implant Program were interviewed using the Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS) and the Meaningful Use of Speech Scale (MUSS). In general, higher MAIS scores post-implantation were significantly associated with higher MUSS scores suggesting that those with better functional hearing with the implant were also better in using spontaneous speech to communicate. Multiple regression analyses showed that several time factors significantly correlated with the MAIS scores post-implantation but not with the MUSS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Speech Perception/physiology*
  8. Ahmad Azan Ridzuan, Azman Ismail
    MyJurnal
    This study was conducted to measure the relationship between service quality and customer's perceived value using a sample of 341 usable questionnaires gathered from the Malaysian Armed Forces Contingent who involved in peacekeeping mission at a Middle East country. The outcomes of SmartPLS path model showed five important findings: firstly, tangible significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Second, responsiveness significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Third, reliability significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Fourth, assurance significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Fifth, empathy significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Statistically, this result confirms that the ability of service providers (MALBATT Headquaters) to properly implement tangible, responsiveness, reliability, assurance and empathy in delivering peacekeeping services have been important determinants of customer's perceived value in the organizational sample. In addition, discussions, implications and conclusion are elaborated.
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  9. Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Khairul Azhar Mat Daud, Ahmad Hafizi Abdul Nasir, Suriatini Ismail, Baba Md Deros
    MyJurnal
    Development of ergonomic sofa design is a design process that has the basic framework specification and type of
    material that is applied on the sofa design. This is due to human consumption that is closely related to ergonomic
    design of this specification which will affect human physical. To achieve this goal, a survey involving 30 respondents
    of sofa makers was conducted to get feedback regarding the sofa design specifications. Survey questions emphasize
    on the basic specifications and material dimensions of sofa materials used. The results of data analysis show that the
    size of basic dimensions and materials is essential in designing an ergonomic sofa. The survey is very important to
    find out the basic specifications in the development of ergonomic design through perception of sofa maker.
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  10. Jamshed SQ, Ibrahim MI, Hassali MA, Masood I, Low BY, Shafie AA, et al.
    South Med Rev, 2012 Jul;5(1):22-30.
    PMID: 23093896
    OBJECTIVES: In developing countries out-of-pocket payments (OOP) are as high as 80% of healthcare spending. Generic medicines can be instrumental in reducing this expenditure. The current study is aimed to explore the knowledge, perception, and attitude of general practitioners towards generic medicines in Karachi, Pakistan.
    METHODS: This exploratory, descriptive study was conducted on a sample of 289 randomly selected general practitioners who were dispensing at their private clinics in Karachi, Pakistan. The questionnaires were distributed and collected by hand. Data was entered to SPSS version 17. Fischer's exact test was applied to see the association between variables.
    RESULTS: A total of 206 questionnaires were included in the study. A response rate of 71.3% was achieved. Out of 206 respondents, 139 (67.5%) were male while 67 (32.5%) respondents were female. Close to three quaters of the respondents (n= 148; 71.8%) showed correct knowledge about generic medicines being a 'copy of the brand name medicines' and 'interchangeable with brand name medicines' (n= 148; 71.8%). In terms of safety, the majority of respondents (n=85; 41.26%) incorrectly understood that the generic medicines are less safe than brand name medicines. The total percentage of correct responses was seen in 53% of the respondents. More than half of the respondents agreed that locally manufactured medicines are of the same effectiveness as brand name medicines (n=114; 55.4%). Male practitioners with practice experience of 11-15 years showed positive perception towards the quality of multinational products. The Majority of respondents believed that their prescribing decision is influenced by medical representatives (n=117; 56.8%). More than three-quarters of the respondents expressed their wish to prescribe low cost medicines in their practice (n=157; 76.2%). More than one third of the respondents expressed their uneasiness to prescribe products from all local manufacturers (n=72; 35%).
    CONCLUSION: There were gaps identified in the knowledge of respondents. Although good perception and attitude were noted among the respondents, dissemination of information regarding generic medicines may perhaps strengthen generic prescribing. There is a need to introduce 'Quality by Design' concept in local manufacturing units. This, in turn, can inculcate confidence in prescribers towards locally manufactured generic medicines.
    KEYWORDS: Karachi; Pakistan; attitude; dispensing doctor; general practitioner; generic medicines; perception
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  11. Amri NA, Quar TK, Chong FY, Bagatto M
    Int J Audiol, 2022 11;61(11):924-931.
    PMID: 34859745 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.2005832
    OBJECTIVE: This study examined the accuracy of hearing aid output to DSL v5.0 Child targets in a group of children who wear hearing aids, and the impact on their auditory outcomes.

    DESIGN: For each participant, the output of the initial hearing aid fitting was compared to DSL v5.0 Child prescriptive targets and again after the fitting was adjusted using coupler-based verification and RECD measures. Outcomes for initial and adjusted fittings were examined using the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII), Parent's Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH) rating scale, and speech perception tests in quiet and noise.

    STUDY SAMPLE: Sixty-eight children aged 3 months to 17 years with moderate to profound hearing loss participated in the study.

    RESULTS: Fit-to-targets improved significantly after hearing aids were adjusted to match targets to within 5 dB RMSE. Adjusted hearing aids provided increased aided audibility compared to initial fittings and resulted in improved speech perception scores and parent-reported hearing performance. Fifty percent of the children aged 6 to 17 years preferred their adjusted fitting compared to 10% who preferred their initial fitting.

    CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in fit-to-target to a validated paediatric prescriptive formula using best practice procedures can result in improved auditory outcomes and possible self-reported satisfaction.

    Matched MeSH terms: Speech Perception*
  12. Ang JY, Lai JM, Hss AS, Ramalingam P, Ramasamy M, Zainuddin NS, et al.
    Traffic Inj Prev, 2020;21(4):278-282.
    PMID: 32297815 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2020.1746773
    Objective: The aim of this study was to explore parents' awareness and usage of CRS, incentives and challenges in CRS use, as well as their perception about potential CRS legislation in Malaysia.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a public tertiary care center in Northern Malaysia. A self-developed researcher-assisted questionnaire was developed in English and translated into Malay language, to explore parents' awareness ad CRS usage, as well as the incentives and barriers in CRS use. Parents of a newborn were conveniently sampled, excluding parents with pre-term newborn or those without a car. Upon obtaining written informed consent, the parents were allowed to answer the questionnaire within 20 minutes, assisted by the researchers. Parents who were found not using CRS for their newborn were given a digital pamphlet with CRS-related information via mobile devices.Results: A total of 200 parents were approached and 193 of them consented to participate in this study. The majority of the parents (87.6%) were aware of CRS, but only half of them (57.0%) provided a CRS for their current newborn. From 100 CRS users, most of them used a CRS for "child's safety" purposes (84.5%). Among 83 CRS nonuser, nearly half of them (45.8%) perceived that it is adequate to carry their child during traveling without using a CRS. When exploring previous experience in using CRS among all parents (n = 193), more than half of them (63.9%) faced difficulty as their child refused to use the CRS. More than half (54.9%) of all parents were not aware about the possible CRS legislation in Malaysia. However, the majority of them (90.7%) agreed with the implementation of CRS law.Conclusions: Although majority of the parents were aware about CRS, but only half had a CRS for their current newborn. Most of the parents supported CRS legislation in Malaysia, but assistance will be required to help them through challenges related to CRS use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  13. Abdul Hayei NA, Yahya NA, Safii SH, Saub R, Vaithilingam RD, Baharuddin NA
    BMC Oral Health, 2021 03 31;21(1):169.
    PMID: 33789646 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01540-0
    BACKGROUND: The influence of scaler tip design on root surface roughness, tooth substance loss and patients' pain perception is investigated.

    METHODS: This article was divided into the following parts: Part 1 Surface roughness and substance loss: an in vitro study, which involves intact extracted teeth sectioned and treated using a piezoelectric ultrasonic device (PM200 EMS Piezon, Switzerland) with a conventional scaler tip (FS-407) and a Perio Slim (PS) scaler tip (Perio Slim DS-016A). All sectioned samples for tooth surface roughness (n = 20) and tooth substance loss (n = 46) analyses were measured and compared using a 3D surface texture analyser and scanning electron microscope (SEM) respectively, at baseline and following scaling. Part 2 Pain Perception: a clinical study, which was a split mouth study design including 30 participants with gingivitis and/or mild chronic periodontitis; treated with supra-gingival scaling from teeth #13 to #23. Subjects were randomised to group A or group B. Group A was treated first with PS scaler tips, whereas group B was treated first with conventional scaler tips. Pain perception was recorded using the visual analogue scale (VAS).

    RESULTS: In vitro study: both scaler tips caused significant reduction in root substance roughness after scaling (p  0.05) was observed. The PS scaler tip caused statistically significantly less root substance loss (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Pain Perception
  14. Ansari MT, Jamaluddin NN, Ramlan TA, Zamri N, Majeed S, Badgujar V, et al.
    Hum Vaccin Immunother, 2021 03 04;17(3):785-790.
    PMID: 32838636 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1800325
    Malaysia is a predominant Muslim country and the recent surge in vaccine-preventable disease enticed us to conduct a survey to measure the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Muslim parents toward vaccination process. The data were collected under four segments such as demography, Knowledge, Attitude and Perception. The questionnaire had high internal consistency (0.823) for Cronbach's alpha. The sociodemographic determinants such as marital status (OR = 1.12; 0.91-1.38;p
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  15. Gubbiyappa KS, Barua A, Das B, Vasudeva Murthy CR, Baloch HZ
    Indian J Pharmacol, 2016 Oct;48(Suppl 1):S41-S46.
    PMID: 28031607 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.193313
    OBJECTIVES: Flipped classroom (FC) is a pedagogical model to engage students in learning process by replacing the didactic lectures. Using technology, lectures are moved out of the classroom and delivered online as means to provide interaction and collaboration. Poll Everywhere is an audience response system (ARS) which can be used in an FC to make the activities more interesting, engaging, and interactive. This study aims to study the perception of undergraduate pharmacy students on FC activity using Poll Everywhere ARS and to study the effectiveness of FC activity as a teaching-learning tool for delivering complementary medicine module in the undergraduate pharmacy program.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this nonrandomized trial on interrupted time series study, flipped class was conducted on group of 112 students of bachelor of pharmacy semester V. The topic selected was popular herbal remedies of the complementary medicine module. Flipped class was conducted with audio and video presentation in the form of a quiz using ten one-best-answer type of multiple-choice questions covering the learning objectives. Audience response was captured using web-based interaction with Poll Everywhere. Feedback was obtained from participants at the end of FC activity and debriefing was done.

    RESULTS: Randomly selected 112 complete responses were included in the final analysis. There were 47 (42%) male and 65 (58%) female respondents. The overall Cronbach's alpha of feedback questionnaire was 0.912. The central tendencies and dispersions of items in the questionnaire indicated the effectiveness of FC. The low or middle achievers of quiz session (pretest) during the FC activity were three times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-8.9) at the risk of providing neutral or negative feedback than high achievers (P = 0.040). Those who gave neutral or negative feedback on FC activity were 3.9 times (95% CI = 1.3-11.8) at the risk of becoming low or middle achievers during the end of semester examination (P = 0.013). The multivariate analysis of "Agree" or "Disagree" and "Agree" or "Strongly Agree" was statistically significant.

    CONCLUSION: This study provides insight on how the pharmacy students learn and develop their cognitive functions. The results revealed that the FC activity with Poll Everywhere is an effective teaching-learning method.

    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  16. Chaubal TV, Bapat R
    Am J Med, 2021 04;134(4):e270.
    PMID: 32997980 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.08.031
    Matched MeSH terms: Taste Perception
  17. Malik AA, Williams CA, Weston KL, Barker AR
    J Sports Sci Med, 2019 03;18(1):1-12.
    PMID: 30787646
    High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) may not elicit prominent unpleasant feelings even with elevated perceived exertion and physiological stress in adolescents. However, the influence of different HIIE work intensities on the affective experience and cardiorespiratory responses is unknown. This study examined the acute affective, enjoyment, perceived exertion and cardiorespiratory responses to HIIE with different work intensities in adolescents. Participants (n = 16; 8 boys; age 12.0 ± 0.3 years) performed, on separate days, HIIE conditions consisting of 8 x 1-minute work-intervals at 70%, 85%, or 100% peak power separated by 75 seconds recovery at 20 W. Affect, enjoyment and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded before, during, and after HIIE. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake were collected during HIIE. Affect declined in all conditions (p < 0.01) but 100%HIIE elicited significantly lower affect than 70%HIIE and 85%HIIE at work-interval 8 (all p < 0.02, ES > 1.74; 70%HIIE = 2.5 ± 0.8; 85%HIIE = 1.1 ± 1.5; 100%HIIE = -1.5 ± 1.4 on feeling scale). Similar enjoyment was evident during and after all conditions (all p > 0.44). RPE was significantly higher during 100%HIIE than 70%HIIE and 85%HIIE across all work-intervals (all p < 0.01, ES > 1.56). The majority of the participants attained ≥90%HRmax during 85%HIIE (87%) and 100%HIIE (100%), but not during 70%HIIE (6%). Affect responses during HIIE are dependent on the intensity of the work-interval and are not entirely negative (unpleasant feelings). Despite similar enjoyment, positive affect experienced during 70%HIIE and 85%HIIE could serve as a strategy to encourage exercise adoption and adherence in adolescents, but only 85%HIIE elicits sufficient HR stimulus to facilitate potential health benefits.
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception/physiology*
  18. Chuan OL, Barnett T
    Nurse Educ Pract, 2012 Jul;12(4):192-7.
    PMID: 22277167 DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2012.01.003
    The aim of this exploratory study was to describe and compare student nurses (n=142), staff nurses (n=54) and nurse tutors (n=8) perceptions of the clinical learning environment (CLE), and to identify factors that enhanced or inhibited student learning. The setting was a private hospital in Penang, Malaysia. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire that consisted of six a priori subscales. Principal component analysis supported a six factor solution and a reduction in the number of items from 44 to 34. Participants' overall perception of the CLE was positive, though there were significant differences in 5 of the 6 subscales between the three groups. For students and their tutors, the most positive component of the CLE was 'supervision by clinical instructors'. Staff nurses reported more favourably on the learner friendliness of the CLE than did students or tutors. Factors that enhanced student learning included students' and staff nurses' attitude towards student learning, variety of clinical opportunities, sufficient equipment, and adequate time to perform procedures. Factors that hindered student learning were: overload of students in the clinical unit, busy wards, and students being treated as workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
  19. Hashmi FK, Hassali MA, Khalid A, Saleem F, Aljadhey H, Babar ZUD, et al.
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2017 07 19;17(1):500.
    PMID: 28724411 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2442-6
    BACKGROUND: In recent decades, community pharmacies reported a change of business model, whereby a shift from traditional services to the provision of extended roles was observed. However, such delivery of extended pharmacy services (EPS) is reported from the developed world, and there is scarcity of information from the developing nations. Within this context, the present study was aimed to explore knowledge, perception and attitude of community pharmacists (CPs) about EPS and their readiness and acceptance for practice change in the city of Lahore, Pakistan.

    METHODS: A qualitative approach was used to gain an in-depth knowledge of the issues. By using a semi-structured interview guide, 12 CPs practicing in the city of Lahore, Pakistan were conveniently selected. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and were then analyzed for thematic contents by the standard content analysis framework.

    RESULTS: Thematic content analysis yielded five major themes. (1) Familiarity with EPS, (2) current practice of EPS, (3) training needed to provide EPS, (4) acceptance of EPS and (5) barriers toward EPS. Majority of the CPs were unaware of EPS and only a handful had the concept of extended services. Although majority of our study respondents were unaware of pharmaceutical care, they were ready to accept practice change if provided with the required skills and training. Lack of personal knowledge, poor public awareness, inadequate physician-pharmacist collaboration and deprived salary structures were reported as barriers towards the provision of EPS at the practice settings.

    CONCLUSION: Although the study reported poor awareness towards EPS, the findings indicated a number of key themes that can be used in establishing the concept of EPS in Pakistan. Over all, CPs reported a positive attitude toward practice change provided to the support and facilitation of health and community based agencies in Pakistan.

    Matched MeSH terms: Perception
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