Awareness of pharmacists about using oral contraceptive pills and the consequences of missing dose in Najaf city

Abstract

Background: Contraception is a method of preventing unexpected pregnancy. The use of oral contraceptive pills is associated with both benefits and health issues. We find there is a lack of understanding and awareness of the negative effects and proper use of contraceptives when forgetting to take the pill at the correct time occurs. In the pharmacy setting time constraints and administrative workload are major barriers that hinder pharmacists from providing appropriate counseling sessions, leading to inappropriate utilization. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the knowledge of pharmacists Method: In Najaf, a cross-sectional study of the pharmacist community was conducted using a self-validated questionnaire. The survey included 20 questions divided into three sections: a) demographic information b) general knowledge of oral contraceptive pills and c) appropriate use of oral contraceptive pills and missed dose instructions. Results: A total of 100 community pharmacists in Najaf participated in this study. The analysis revealed important gaps in knowledge regarding the correct use of oral contraceptive pills, especially in relation to missed dose instructions. General knowledge of most pharmacists recognized the common indications of combined oral contraceptives, only about 60–65% could correctly identify all therapeutic uses. Only 40% of pharmacists were aware of the correct starting day for oral contraceptive pills prescriptions. Around 70% of pharmacists knew that combined oral contraceptive should be taken daily without interruption. 35% of pharmacists gave the correct advice on what to do if a pill is missed during the first week. Correct counseling regarding a missed progesterone oral pill dose was provided by just 30% of respondents. Less than half (~45%) of the pharmacists achieved a satisfactory knowledge level regarding the proper use of oral contraceptive pills and instructions for missed doses. Conclusion: Participants demonstrated insufficient awareness of correct use and instructions for missed doses. It may be useful to organize a broad elective course covering everything related to oral contraceptive pills.