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Background: Drug stores in Pakistan are run by dispensers with varied knowledge, qualification, and experience. The current study was sought to explore the knowledge, qualification, experience, and dispensing practices among dispensers working in drugstores in South Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected from medical stores in South Karachi which were then categorized, coded, and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Relationship among different study variables with pharmacist’s availability and personal experience was assessed using statistical non-parametric Chi-square test. A total of 385 samples obtained using a simple random sampling method were included in the study. However, only 210 responses on questionnaire were complete which were then selected for study analysis between October and December 2018.Results: Of the 210 surveyed drugstores, 9% of their staff had studied only till primary school, 5.7% till the eighth grade, 25.2% up to secondary school level, 26.7% till higher secondary school level, 15.7% had non-professional education, and 8.1% were professional graduate. Only 9% of them had a degree in Pharm. D or B. Pharm, while 0.5% had a post-graduation qualification. Furthermore, 44.8% of pharmacies had a valid pharmacy license but the pharmacist was physically absent in 91% of the drugstores. Majority of pharmacies did not maintain appropriate temperature (refrigerator and/or room temperature). Majority of dispensers did not review prescription particulars before dispensing medications and also dispensed medications on older prescriptions as well as without prescription.Conclusion: In conclusion, the overall knowledge and practices of dispensers working in drugstores was poor. However, the presence of pharmacist was associated with good dispensing practices to a certain extent. Keywords: community pharmacy, good dispensing practice, pharmacist, prescription review

Background: Lack of appropriate treatment for COVID-19 infection led the general population of Pakistan toward self-medication and symptomatic treatment; almost 80% of the population collected medications for future use during pandemic. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the use of medication as symptomatic treatment preventive strategy. Methods: This descriptive cross–sectional study was conducted on a local population of Hyderabad and Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. The study duration was six months (April– September 2020). A total of 698 responders were selected via random sampling method. The number of participants were recruited based on 95% confidence interval with 5% margin error. Data were transferred into analysis sheet descriptively. Results: Most participants responded to the use of different over-the-counter (OTC) products for headache. The use of antibiotics with prescription due to allergic conditions, cough, respiratory tract infections including sore throat, and urinary tract infections was also found among the majority. Few respondents had self-medication practice with sedatives due to difficulty in falling asleep, and 9.5% had self-medication practice due to pain. About 20.8% of the population agreed that lockdown was a contributing factor in the self-medication practice. Conclusion: Pharmacists and healthcare professionals are advised to counsel the general public regarding the use of medication. A close collaboration is required at this stage to fight against COVID-19 and preventing the situation from worsening. Keywords: self-medication, covid-19, Hyderabad, Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: The objective behind this study is to evaluate the compliance and noncompliance, between standard therapy with latest oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with each other so as a head-to-head comparison will ever be available. Methodology: A descriptive observational study was conducted at SMBBMUH Larkana.The questionnaire (specially designed)was filled up to monitor the non-compliances associated with drugs used for the management of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).The study was conducted on the 100 patients who were reported with DVT at tertiary care hospital SMBBMUH Larkana. A series of questions were asked from reported patients regarding symptoms and side effects. Finally the results were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results: Results show that out of 100 patients, male patients (79%) observed more than female(21%) and mostly patients perform indoor jobs (39%). Prevalence of DVT is high about 53% patients were suffering from DVT during 03 months. It was found that mostly patient non compliance observed with Warfarin (n=26) as compare to heparin (n=19) and Rivaroxaban (n=07). Conclusion: The study concluded that the more compliance achieved with Rivaroxaban as compared to warfarin and heparin. Mostly noncompliant factors are cost; prolong therapy, adverse drug reaction were common factors of non compliance in DVT patients.

Objective: To assess the general perspective of population their believes and myths regarding the pandemic outbreak and use of mask as precautionary measures Methods: A Cross-sectional observational study conducted from January-June 2020, among the general population of Karachi Total 470 participant age range of 18-60 years were included in the study Data was analyzed by SPSS version 21 0, for descriptive statistics Correlation between variables was assess by Kruskal Wallis Test, spearman rank correlation was established to assess the significant correlation between Knowledge, myths and practices Result: Out of 470 respondents, 74 31% were male and 25 69% of female More than half of respondents aged between 51 to 70 years i e 53 92% While 21 76% respondents were categorized in illiterate category The mean rank score for knowledge, myths and practices were 217 95±2 1, myths score was 236 07±2 1, 241 12±2 1 respectively The spearman rank correlation was established between knowledge myths and practices, a significant correlation between was established by Knowledge-myths (r= 0 0176, p= 0 015), knowledge-practices (r= 0 0174, p= 0 001) however myths-practices (r= 0 0170, p< 0 001) Believes and myths related to the mask was concerned i e 56 1 were using N-95 masks, 89% respondents reused the masks, 59 1% used the mask between 2 to 5 times Wearing mask is not a precautionary measure was mainly found as a myth in respondents i e 78 7% 67 2% respondents had myths about unnecessary use of mask The study highlighted the non-optimal behavior and practice with regards to the use of preventive measure including the use of mask in the pandemic outbreak © 2020 Assiut University All rights reserved