@article {232, title = {Preparations for Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination}, journal = {PTB Reports}, volume = {8}, year = {2022}, month = {December 2022}, pages = {129-139}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {129}, abstract = {

Objectives: The preparation tools and resources used for licensure examinations in the pharmacy practice are crucial to entry-level pharmacist{\textquoteright}s skills for licensures exam. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at demonstrating the preparation methodology for passing the Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Exam (SPLE) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), focusing on the preparation tools, resources, and barriers of pharmacy workers. Methods: The data for this study was collected through a self-electronic survey and analyzed using the survey monkey systems and the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS). The study used a sample size of 701 participants statistically calculated with a 95\% CI, 1.96 z score, and 5\% margin error. Results: The study found medium scores (M=3.31, p=.000) in the preparation tools to SPLE with highly used Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) in pharmacy practice and review of healthcare professionals{\textquoteright} law. In contrast, Non-pharmacy board license exams stimulating undergraduate examinations, Anxiety about the test, and Lack of preparation were the most significant barriers preventing the entry-level pharmacist{\textquoteright}s licensure examinations. In addition, gender and material status affected SPLE preparation tools, resources, and obstacles to perceptions. Conclusion: The analysis concluded that the current licensure examination (SPLE) preparation tool was self-preparations and used resources. There are no standardized entry-level licensure examination tools or resources, necessitating targeted changes in undergraduate schools to introduce preparation tools that measure entry-level pass Pharmacist Licensure Exam very efficiently.

}, keywords = {Competency, Exam, Licensure, Perceptions, Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Saudi Arabia}, doi = {10.5530/PTB.2022.8.17}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Nahed Rashid Alyami and Amani Abdullah Bahdailah and Seham Abed Almehmadi and Juman~ Alsaab and Shumukh Saleh Al Thubaiti and Raghad Abdullah Ali Alghamdi} } @article {207, title = {Public Knowledge of Hand Sanitizers and Disinfectants in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {PTB Reports}, volume = {7}, year = {2021}, month = {December 2021}, pages = {86-94}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {86}, abstract = {

Objectives: Hand sanitizers and disinfectants have been commonly used during epidemic and pandemic situations. Despite the proven efficacy and safety of sanitizers and disinfectants, the publics{\textquoteright} knowledge about their use is still controversial. In this survey, we aimed to investigate the knowledge of the public about the use of hand sanitizer and disinfectants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Design and Setting: A self-administered structured questionnaire was sent to the public via online mode. It collected demographic information and collected information about different hand sanitizers and disinfectants and their general knowledge on such products, contraindications, and storage information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through the Survey monkey program. Results: A total of 402 participants responded to the questionnaire. Of them, 32.58\% were from the western region, and 25.76\% were from the central area, and there were statistically significant differences between different regions (p=0.000). Based on nationality, 90.88\% of Saudi nationals responded to the questionnaire. In addition, 65.17\% of the responders were female, with statistically significant differences (p=0.000). The most prevalent age group was between 18 and 29 years (50.25\%), with statistically significant differences between all age groups (p=0.000). The average general knowledge score was 3.90emphasizing the medication administration (4.40) and frequency of usage (4.25). The average score of contraindication knowledge was 2.91. The feature most known by the public was the general side reaction that appears during use (3.21), and usage of the medication with other drugs is forbidden (3.04). The average score for the knowledge of storage was 3.45. The part most known by the patient was the storage of the sanitizer or disinfectant at room temperature (3.91) and sanitizer or disinfectant prices in general (3.58). Conclusion: The knowledge about storage of sanitizers and disinfectants among the public in Saudi Arabia was satisfactory; however, the knowledge about contraindications was insufficient. Therefore, we recommend increasing the general public{\textquoteright}s awareness about sanitizers and disinfectants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Disinfectants, Knowledge, Public, Sanitizer, Saudi Arabia.}, doi = {10.5530/PTB.2021.7.15}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Basmah Sulimain AlHamdan and Amani Abdullah Bahdailah and Sahar Obaid Alosaimi and Deema Abdullah Altuwayhir} } @article {133, title = {Basic Knowledge of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs among Saudi Community}, journal = {Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biomedical Reports}, volume = {5}, year = {2019}, month = {July 2019}, pages = {93-96}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {93}, abstract = {

Objectives: The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a rising problem in the modern medical world. NSAIDs are easily available over the counter and accessible to the public. As such, we have seen a need to assess the knowledge and perception of public use of NSAIDs. In this study, we aimed to explore the knowledge of public use of NSAIDs among the participants from major metropolitan areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted for a period of 6 months using a questionnaire, which was developed to evaluate the use of NSAIDs in several major metropolitan areas among the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This questionnaire was randomly distributed digitally using the Survey Monkey system to individuals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via social networking sites. The survey collected demographic data, age, education, socioeconomic status. The patient knowledge about the administration of NSAIDs status with meals, side effects, expiry date, resource information and related knowledge issues. The data were tabulated and analyzed by using SPSS version 13. Results: In this study, a total of 3000 patients received the questionnaire and of them, 500 responded, which means the response rate was 16.6\%. The highest percentage of responders were in the age group of 40 years and above (52.63\% n=263). Majority of the responders were those who had a university degree (66.20\% (n=329)). According to our results, 63.31\% (n=316) of the participants they knew how to take NSAIDs, i.e. with or without food is essential. Approximately 45\% (n=224) of the participants knew about the possible side effects of NSAIDs. Half of the study population thought that expiry date is the time by which drugs become ineffective, whereas 33.81\% (n=169) of the participants thought that drugs become toxic after this time. Around 61.87\% (n=309) of the participants obtained information about NSAIDs from the package insert, whereas 32.45\% (n=162) of the participants obtained information from the internet. Conclusion: The primary knowledge regarding NSAIDs is inadequate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patient education about NSAIDs is highly recommended at healthcare institutions to prevent drug-related mistake, reduce economic burden on the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Knowledge, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Patient, Saudi Arabia}, doi = {10.5530/PTB.2019.5.17}, author = {Amani Abdullah Bahdailah} } @article {131, title = {Pattern use of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs among Saudi Community: Patients{\textquoteright} Perspective}, journal = {Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biomedical Reports}, volume = {5}, year = {2019}, month = {July 2019}, pages = {84-87}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {84}, abstract = {

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to explore the utilization of public use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) among the participants from the major metropolitan areas in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 6 months. The study questionnaire was randomly distributed via digital media using Survey Monkey system to individuals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised 24 questions related to demographic data; age; education; socioeconomic status; weight; history of chronic disease; history of pain; frequency, type and dosage of NSAIDs; and indication for the use of NSAIDs. The survey web link was distributed via social media to a convenient sample of participants. Data were tabulated and analyzed by using SPSS version 13 software. Results: The survey questionnaire was distributed to 3000 patients and a total of 500 participants responded, making the response rate as 16.6\%. Of them, the highest percentage of responders belonged to the age group of above 40 years (52.63\%, n=263). Majority of the responders had a university degree (66.20\%, n=329). Of all the responders, 54\% (n=272) did not use painkillers daily, whereas 43.33\% (n=216) took painkillers daily; 2.26\% (n=11) of the responders did not remember. Around 87\% (n=433) of the responders tool an average of 1{\textendash}3 NSAIDs daily, 11.44\% (n=57) took 4{\textendash}7 NSAIDs daily and 1.49\% (n=7) responders took 8{\textendash}12 NSAIDs daily without a prescription. Furthermore, 0.50\% (n=2) of the responders took more than 12 NSAIDs per day. Conclusion: The NSAIDs are highly utilized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the number of awareness programs for the public about the side effects of short- and long-term use of NSAIDs is highly recommended in Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Patient, Pattern, Saudi Arabia, Use}, doi = {10.5530/PTB.2019.5.15}, author = {Amani Abdullah Bahdailah} }