Predictors of Recommending Non-Pharmacological Therapy for Cough during Pregnancy by the Community Pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): A Simulated-Patient Approach
Main Article Content
Keywords
community pharmacist, cough, pregnancy, simulated patient
Abstract
Background: Cough is common during pregnancy, and Community Pharmacists (CPs) can provide essential cough assessment and management, including non-pharmacological and pharmacotherapies. Non-pharmacological treatments are often preferred to minimize potential side effects from medications.Objective: This study aimed to determine if CP characteristics (age, gender, job title, and experience) predict clinical competencies in patient assessment and the recommendation of non-pharmacological therapies for pregnant women with cough. A secondary aim was to evaluate CP counseling and communication skills through patient satisfaction levels. Methods: A cross-sectional, simulated patient (SP) study was conducted among 200 randomly selected community pharmacies in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman (UAE). Pharmacy students acted as SPs requesting cough symptom relief. An assessment tool with 29 questions evaluated CPs’ cough assessment, management, counseling, and communication skills. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed on the data. Results: CPs in 88.5% of the pharmacies asked about cough symptoms, but 32.5% did not inquire about other symptoms like sinusitis or gastric reflux. Only 32% confirmed the SP's pregnancy status. Most CPs (97%) did not ask about medication allergies, and 43.5% did not ask if the SP had already taken any medication. Non-pharmacological treatments were addressed by only 38% of CPs. Prospan® cough syrup was prescribed by 44.5%, and 3.5% recommended antibiotics. Most CPs (82%) relied on their general knowledge without consulting additional sources. Despite these gaps, 80% of SPs were highly satisfied with the counseling provided. Significant predictors of non-pharmacological therapy recommendations included CPs' age (AOR=1.489, P=0.01), gender (AOR=0.344, P<0.001), job title (AOR=1.914, P<0.001), and educational level (AOR=0.696, P=0.02). Conclusion: This study is the first in the UAE to identify predictors of CPs recommending non-pharmacological treatments for pregnant women with cough. The findings suggest practical implications for CP training and education, emphasizing the need to enhance CPs' knowledge of non-pharmacological cough management to improve maternal health outcomes.
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