Implementation and Predictors of Pharmaceutical Care Practices for Chronic Disease Management among Community Pharmacists in Southern Nigeria

Résumé

Background: Chronic non-communicable diseases constitute a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to continuous, patient-centered care remains limited. Community pharmacists are strategically positioned to support chronic disease management through the delivery of pharmaceutical care services. This study evaluated the implementation of pharmaceutical care services for chronic disease management in community pharmacies in Southern Nigeria and identify factors associated with advanced pharmaceutical care practices.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among licensed community pharmacists practicing in registered community pharmacies in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a validated 66-item structured questionnaire assessing pharmaceutical care activities, professional confidence, and practice infrastructure. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with the implementation of advanced pharmaceutical care practices. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 153 pharmacists participated in the study. 26.1% maintained patient medical records, 35.9% routinely assessed medication adherence, 39.9% screened for concurrent herbal medicine use, and 11.8% assessed medication affordability. Pharmacists with postgraduate or fellowship qualifications were significantly more likely to assess medication adherence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.61–13.08; p < 0.001) and screen for herbal medicine use (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.64–7.12; p = 0.001) than those with undergraduate qualifications. Years of professional practice were not significantly associated with implementation of advanced pharmaceutical care activities.