Abstract
Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) effectively suppress acid secretion and play an important role in peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Physicians and pharmacists' awareness and perception toward PPIs have a crucial role in regulating the use of PPI and preventing any adverse event, drug-drug interaction, or inappropriate use PPIs.
Aim: The current study aims to assess proton pump inhibitors awareness level among physicians and pharmacists and its detriments in PHCCs, Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was applied to answer the main research question. The study targeted all physicians and pharmacists in primary healthcare centres in Abha who will be accessible during the study period from 23 May to 27 July. Data were collected from eligible participants using pre-structured online questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed by the researchers based on intensive literature review and expert's consultation. The questionnaire covered participants' personal data including age and gender, job title, and awareness items regarding PPI types, uses, side effects, and types.
Results . A total of 178 participants completed the study questionnaire. 97 (54.5%) participants were pharmacists, 45 (25.3%) were clinical pharmacists, and 36 (20.2%) were physicians. Participants ages ranged from 20-40 years with mean age of 25.4 +/- 9.7 years. 78.7% of the participants reported that PPIs are the 1st line pharmacological treatment for peptic ulcer which was insignificantly higher among clinical pharmacists (84.4%; P=.077). Omeprazole as the most prescribed PPI was known by 75.8% of the participants. As for Long-term use of PPI adverse reactions, 22.5% reported osteoporosis, 20.2% selected vitamin B12 deficiency, 2.2% reported pneumonia, while 55.1% selected all options, especially pharmacists and clinical pharmacists (60.8% and 60%, respectively; P=.017).
Conclusion and Recommendations . In conclusion. the current study showed that medical staff in the primary healthcare centres had moderately low knowledge regarding PPI and its indications. The lowest awareness was mainly among physicians relative to pharmacists especially clinical pharmacists.