Knowledge, Attitude and Performance of Community Pharmacists towards Prescriptions in Mazandaran Province, Iran

Background and purpose: Drugs are essential components of health services in all communities and pharmacists play a major role in delivering appropriate health care. There are lack of comprehensive studies on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists in dealing with prescription drugs in Mazandaran province, Iran, so, this study aimed at assessing the performance of pharmacists on these issues. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 179 community pharmacies in Mazandaran province selected via random sampling. A trained shopper with a prescription attended the pharmacy and based on researcher-made flowchart and questionnaire, the pharmacist's performance on drug interactions, side effects, etc. was evaluated. Results: Among the pharmacies investigated (n=179), pharmacists were available in 154 (86%) and pharmacist consultations were observed in 67 (37%) pharmacies. Right medications were given in 157 (88%) pharmacies and in 166 (93%) instructions for use were completely correct and in accordance with the prescription. Conclusion: At the community pharmacy, pharmacists usually focus on dispensing correct medication and pay less attention to pharmacy counseling. Trainings on drug interactions and adverse drug reactions could increase the awareness and knowledge of pharmacists.