Current status of pharmacists in community pharmacies in China in the health management of chronic respiratory diseases.

BACKGROUND

Effective management of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) is critical, and community pharmacists play a key role. This study evaluates pharmacists' knowledge, attitude, technology use and patient education in CRDs management across various regions in China.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study conducted a survey of pharmacists across nine provinces and two municipalities in China from January to September 2024, using a stratified convenience sampling method based on regional GDP. A total of 733 questionnaires were distributed through online platforms and pharmacy networks, yielding 699 valid responses, resulting in a response rate of 95.4%.

RESULTS

61.5% of pharmacists correctly answering 5 or fewer questions on knowledge-related topics. Additionally, 68.1% of the pharmacists demonstrated an accuracy rate of less than 50% in COPD-related questions, and 58.7% had an accuracy rate below 50% in asthma-related questions. Pharmacists in developed regions showed higher scores in knowledge, attitude, and patient education compared to those in underdeveloped areas (P < 0.05). Higher education and professional certifications were associated with better scores (P < 0.05). Frequent CRDs patient management and positive attitudes enhanced technology use, while longer working hours were linked to lower technology use and patient education scores (P < 0.05). Higher knowledge and attitude scores were significantly associated with better patient education (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Community pharmacists display significant knowledge gaps in managing CRDs, particularly COPD and asthma. Developed regions, higher education, certification, and frequent CRDs management correlate with better scores. These findings highlight the need for ongoing education and improved working conditions to strengthen pharmacists' roles in CRDs management, aligning with the Healthy China initiative.