An Evaluation of Pharmacist’s Knowledge Concerning the Use of Oral Contraceptive Pills in Hamadan Pharmacies

Pharmacists as an available member of the health care system have an important role in transmitting accurate and complete information to consumers about contraception methods. The aim of the present study has been to evaluate pharmacist's knowledge with regard to the use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) based on the patient’s conditions in Hamadan pharmacies in 2016. This analytical-descriptive study was performed on 96 pharmacists working at Hamadan pharmacies. The data collection was done using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 59 items including 5 items on the demographic data of pharmacists and 54 items on evaluating the pharmacists' knowledge of using OCPs in accordance with the patient's condition. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were investigated in 52 subjects prior to the current study (Cronbach’s α = 0.993). The mean age of the pharmacists was 38.81 (SD ±10.70) years and 50% of them were male. The average of the total knowledge score was 75.94% (SD±11.31). The total knowledge score showed a significant negative correlation with age, years of work experience and the time since graduation. Also, the total knowledge score was higher in female and pharmacists working in governmental pharmacies as compared with male and pharmacists working in private pharmacies. While the level of pharmacists' knowledge about oral contraceptives was fair, the knowledge of the older pharmacists was significantly lower than young pharmacists. So, further educational interventions were required for older pharmacists particularly males.