Evaluation of Community Pharmacists Practices towards Dengue Control and Management.

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the practice level of Community Pharmacists (CPs) towards dengue control and management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among CPs by using a convenience sampling technique using a newly developed and validated research tool. Results: Out of 205 respondents, 70.2% had never taken part in any health-promotion campaigns against dengue. The majority of the participants (82.9%) never attended any particular training/workshops about dengue control and management. Around 65.9% of the CPs knew that NSAIDs should not be given to every dengue suspected patient. A total of 35.6% of the respondents agreed that the only method of controlling dengue infection is to combat the vector mosquitoes. Conclusion: Overall, the results revealed that the practices of the CPs to prevent, control and manage dengue infection were satisfactory but still continuing professional development seminars/workshops will further strengthen their skills to specifically control and mange dengue infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]