Community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes toward epilepsy and availability of antiepileptic drugs in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Abstract

Background: The community pharmacists educate patients and their families concerning the development of adherence to their therapy, and then improving health-related quality of life for those patients. Our study aims to describe the management of epilepsy in pharmaceutical pharmacies in a low income country. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the pharmaceutical pharmacies of the city of Ouagadougou during a period of 2 months, from November 15 to December 15, 2020. Results: Fifty six pharmacists with a mean age of 41 ± 12.73 years were included in the study. Of them, 7.14% received specific training on epilepsy. Respondents with good knowledge about epilepsy were 48.21%. The level of “good knowledge” was significantly higher among respondents who had received specific training in epilepsy and among those with more than 15 years of experience as a dispensary pharmacist. The experience of more than 15 years was the factor significantly associated with a level of good knowledge about epilepsy. Regarding the seizure first aid management, the majority of pharmacists knew the attitudes of seizure first aid management by citing the lateral security position (83.9%). Phenobarbital was the most widely used antiepileptic drug in 96.43%. In 47.17% (n = 53) of pharmacies, demand exceeded supply. Conclusions: Effort must be put on the supply of antiepileptic drugs and the training of health personnel.