Predictors of knowledge level and awareness towards the principles and methodology evaluation of pharmacoeconomics in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background: Pharmaceutical expenditure has been a major concern for decision-makers worldwide. One strategy to control medication costs involves applying pharmacoeconomic (PE) methods in the approval and listing of new medications. Pharmacists need to possess the knowledge, skill, and competence to analyse and implement PE study findings. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of pharmacy professionals' knowledge and awareness towards PE and their ability to apply its concepts. Furthermore, this study sought to identify the barriers to the practical application of PE.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2022 and June 2023. A chi-square test was employed to examine the associations between dependent and independent variables while multiple binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of PE knowledge and awareness.

Results: A total of 204 pharmacists were included. The mean age was 29.34 years (SD: 6.45) and 75.5%of participants were male. Of the participants, 46.6% held a bachelor's degree. A total of 81.4% were aware of PEs and 65.2% exhibited low knowledge levels. Around 60% of participants agreed to all the questions concerning the pharmacists' attitudes towards PE. Females were 2.6 times more likely than males to have good PE knowledge (AOR = 2.62, p < 0.01). Participants aged 26-35 and those over 36 were 2.6 times (AOR = 2.6, p < 0.05) and 2.8 times (AOR = 2.83, p < 0.01) more likely to have good knowledge than those under 25, respectively.

Conclusion: This study highlighted a gap in the knowledge, and ability to apply PE concepts in practice. Key predictors such as being aged 30 or older, having longer years of work experience, and holding advanced pharmacy degrees were linked to higher levels of PE knowledge, positive attitudes, and awareness and enhanced the ability to apply PE concept. Future research should assess the effectiveness of PE courses offered in pharmacy colleges across Saudi Arabia.