Pharmacists’ Knowledge of Pharmaceutical Care Concept in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Southern Nigeria

Pharmaceutical care education and knowledge must precede practice. In Nigeria, Pharmaceutical care education was officially introduced about a decade ago. It is therefore necessary to assess knowledge of the concept among Practicing Pharmacist from time to time. However, in a country with a vast landmass and a high population it is valuable to have the practice perspective from various regions. This is an original and maiden research in this geographical region of Nigeria with the objective of assessing the knowledge of Pharmacists on Pharmaceutical Care (PC) concepts and also to evaluate the impact of demographic factors.

 A descriptive study was carried out with a questionnaire between the months of January and March, 2013 among 205 out of estimated 400 pharmacists practicing in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria. Data collected was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS version 15.

The study revealed that 52% have good knowledge of the Pharmaceutical care concept whilst 30% have fair knowledge. There was a correlation between age and knowledge as well as practice group and knowledge. The younger pharmacists and pharmacists in retail community practice were more knowledgeable than others.

Pharmacists in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Southern Nigeria are largely knowledgeable of Pharmaceutical Care concept but there is room to improve their qualitative knowledge.