ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY PHARMACIST'S KNOWLEDGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CONSTIPATION IN ADULT

Moorthi C, Rachel Paul, Thaha Hussain KP

The present study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge of community pharmacists in the management of constipation in adult. The study included 103 community pharmacists, who met the inclusion criteria. The study result revealed (a) Constipation was more prevalent in older adult with the age group of 50 - 60 years; (b) Deficiencies in obtaining basis information such as medication history, medical history, food & fluid intake, pregnancy & lactation, associated symptoms and previous treatment attempts; (c) Lack of knowledge in red flag symptoms which require expert medical intervention; (d) Lack of knowledge in non-pharmacological treatment such as increase fiber in diet, adequate fluid intake and exercise; (e) Lack of knowledge in counseling the patient about diet related modification, physical exercise and to seek medical expert in case of failure of OTC drug treatment. Regular refresher courses have to be conducted by pharmacy colleges to educate community pharmacists to upgrade the knowledge in the disease management.