Investigation of community pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes of pharmacogenomics testing: implication for improved pharmacogenomic testing practice

Abstract

Community pharmacists must be well-equipped to advance pharmacogenomics services. Nevertheless, limited data is available regarding pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes toward pharmacogenomics testing. The present study aimed to evaluate community pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes toward pharmacogenomics testing in the UAE. In this cross-sectional study, a validated, online, self-administered survey, was randomly distributed to community pharmacists across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The participants demonstrated poor knowledge about pharmacogenomic testing (median score < 8). Having 10–29 (Adjusted odds ration [AOR]: 0.038; 95% CI: 0.01–0.146, p = 0.001) and 30–49 (AOR: 0.097; 95% CI: 0.04–0.237, p = 0.001) patients per day was associated with poorer knowledge. Also, receiving 10–29 (AOR: 0.046; 95% CI: 0.005–0.401, p = 0.005), 30–49 (AOR: 0.025; 95% CI: 0.003–0.211, p = 0.001), and > 50 (AOR: 0.049; 95% CI: 0.005–0.458, p = 0.008) prescriptions decreased the odds of having good knowledge. Around half (43.9%) of the participants did not show a positive attitude toward pharmacogenomic testing (median score < 11). Having 30–49 patients per day (AOR: 5.351; 95% CI: 2.414–11.860, p = 0.001) increased the odds of good knowledge while receiving 10–29 (AOR: 0.133; 95% CI: 0.056–0.315, p = 0.001) and 30–49 (AOR: 0.111; 95% CI: 0.049–0.252, p = 0.001) prescriptions a day were associated with decreased odds of positive attitude toward the pharmacogenomics testing. The findings indicate a lack of knowledge and less-than-ideal attitudes among community pharmacists regarding pharmacogenomics testing. Enhanced efforts focused on educational initiatives and training activities related to pharmacogenomics testing is needed. Additionally, reducing workload can facilitate better knowledge acquisition and help mitigate unfavorable attitudes.