Alharthi Mohammed S
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Apr 25;104(17):e42240. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000042240.
Pharmacogenomics, the study of genetic influences on drug response, advances personalized medicine by tailoring therapy to individual genetic profiles, reducing adverse effects and optimizing efficacy. Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare providers, are well-positioned to facilitate the integration of pharmacogenomics into clinical practice. This study assesses Saudi pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pharmacogenomics and identifies key barriers and facilitators affecting their readiness. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and October 2024 among 426 licensed pharmacists across various practice settings in Saudi Arabia: a validated, structured questionnaire assessed demographics, pharmacogenomics knowledge, attitudes, and implementation practices. Snowball sampling facilitated participant recruitment. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings, and Chi-square tests were applied to examine associations between socio-demographic variables and pharmacogenomics-related responses. Among 426 participants, while most pharmacists recognized the value of pharmacogenomics, knowledge gaps were notable, particularly in interpreting genetic tests and applying clinical recommendations. Only 52.3% received pharmacogenomics training, mainly through university courses, and 40.6% had never consulted pharmacogenomics resources in practice. Key barriers included limited access to genetic testing (74.2%) and lack of reimbursement (64.5%). Socio-demographics, such as age and practice setting, significantly impacted knowledge and attitudes. Saudi pharmacists face considerable barriers to pharmacogenomics readiness, including knowledge gaps, limited access to genetic testing, and insufficient institutional support. Addressing these challenges requires targeted education, structured policy initiatives, and enhanced resource availability to facilitate the effective integration of pharmacogenomics into pharmacy practice. Strengthening pharmacists' competencies in this field will be essential to optimizing patient care and advancing precision medicine in Saudi Arabia.
药物基因组学，即研究基因对药物反应的影响，通过根据个体基因图谱定制治疗方案，减少不良反应并优化疗效，推动了个性化医疗的发展。药剂师作为易于接触的医疗服务提供者，在促进药物基因组学融入临床实践方面具有得天独厚的优势。本研究评估了沙特药剂师对药物基因组学的知识、态度和实践情况，并确定了影响他们准备程度的关键障碍和促进因素。2024年7月至10月间，在沙特阿拉伯不同执业环境的426名持牌药剂师中进行了一项横断面调查：一份经过验证的结构化问卷评估了人口统计学信息、药物基因组学知识、态度和实施实践。滚雪球抽样有助于参与者招募。描述性统计总结了研究结果，并应用卡方检验来检验社会人口统计学变量与药物基因组学相关反应之间的关联。在426名参与者中，虽然大多数药剂师认识到药物基因组学的价值，但知识差距显著，尤其是在解读基因检测结果和应用临床建议方面。只有52.3%的人接受过药物基因组学培训，主要是通过大学课程，40.6%的人在实践中从未查阅过药物基因组学资源。关键障碍包括基因检测的获取受限（74.2%）和缺乏报销（64.5%）。年龄和执业环境等社会人口统计学因素对知识和态度有显著影响。沙特药剂师在准备好应用药物基因组学方面面临相当大的障碍，包括知识差距、基因检测获取受限和机构支持不足。应对这些挑战需要有针对性的教育、结构化的政策举措以及更多的资源，以促进药物基因组学有效融入药学实践。加强药剂师在该领域的能力对于优化沙特阿拉伯的患者护理和推进精准医疗至关重要。
