Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Over The Counter (OTC) Drugs among Community Pharmacists

INTRODUCTION: Over The Counter (OTC) drugs are drugs which can be sold in the pharmacy without the prescription of registered medical practitioners. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) regulates import, manufacture, distribution and sale of drugs and cosmetics by Drugs and Cosmetics Act (DCA) and its subordinate legislation, Drugs and Cosmetics Rules (DCR), 1940 in India. Community Pharmacists have an important role in modifying patients behaviours and curbing the misuse of OTC. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards OTC drugs dispensing among community pharmacists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted to assess the KAP of OTC drugs among community pharmacists working in the community pharmacies. Pamphlets were provided to community pharmacists to create the awareness about OTC drug dispensing in pharmacy. Questionnaire was distributed to 160 community pharmacists situated in Peelamedu and its surrounding areas. All the data were analysed by using SPSS software and applying descriptive statistics, odds ratio. RESULTS: A total of 160 participants responded to the questionnaire. About 80.6% participants were males and 19.4% were females. All participants having a qualified pharmacy degree [ D. Pharm (15.0%), B. Pharm (66.9%), M. Pharm (15.0%), Pharm. D (3.1%)]. Among 160 participants, 149 (93.1%) good knowledge, 93 (58.1%) positive attitude, 85 (53.1%) practice toward OTC drug dispensing. Respondents age and education qualification were significantly associated with knowledge. Knowledge of OTC drugs among community pharmacists was positively correlated with attitude. CONCLUSION: Community Pharmacists are aware about OTC drugs and had positive attitudes to periodically update information regarding OTC drugs but some of them were less enthusiastic to update their knowledge. They should be properly trained and regularly update about OTC drugs