PERCEPTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACIST TOWARD WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS: KAHRAMANMARAŞ CITY SAMPLE

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to better understand the role of community pharmacists in obesity management by observing their knowledge of weight loss drugs, analyzing their attitudes and behaviors toward patients, and determining their transfer patterns to patients. Material and Method: After ethical approval, a cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnere via a Google online form. The research population consists of community pharmacists working in the province of Kahramanmaraş. The questionnaire was designed to assess Community pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes toward weight loss products. The data was then analyzed using the SPSS for Windows 26.0 program (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Result and Discussion: Eighty-six percent of the pharmacists reported always/often counselling customers who request to buy products for weigh management on the safe and effective use of the product and 69.9% always/often check for drug or food interaction while dispensing weight loss products. The majority of Community pharmacists (72.8%) agreed that continuous education of the pharmacist should include weight management and training. Pharmacists surveyed have a moderate knowledge of weight loss products. Time, staff, budget were the barriers to offering pharmacy weight management services. Continuing education, supporting pharmacists with sufficient resources, and conducting more comprehensive research can play a critical role in the fight against obesity.