Pharmacist intervention to improve patients' knowledge and attitude towards hepatitis B infection. Issue 4 (12th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bahap, Melda; Kara, Emre; Cagla Sonmezer, Meliha; Inkaya, Ahmet Cagkan; Aydin‐Hakli, Duygu; Unal, Serhat; Demirkan, Kutay
• Is Part Of: International journal of clinical practice. Volume 75:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-01-12
• Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13952
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-5031

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Lack of knowledge/awareness of people living with hepatitis B (PLH) often leads to misinformation and stigmatisation. This study aimed to assess the contribution of the clinical pharmacist (CP)‐led education on knowledge of PLH about their disease. Methods: This prospective, cross‐sectional study was carried out between 1 October 2017 and 1 April 2018, at infectious disease and gastroenterology outpatient clinics in a university hospital. All PLH were interviewed face‐to‐face by a CP and a questionnaire about hepatitis B virus (HBV) knowledge was applied both at the beginning of the study (first interview) and 3 months later (second interview). Correct information was provided verbally to the patients by the CP concerning their incorrect answers during the first interview. A 10% increase in the number of correct answers was targeted for the second interview. Results: A total of 147 PLH with a mean age of 43.05 ± 13.25 years were included in the study (55.8% female). In the first interview, the mean (±standard deviation) number of correct answers was 35.53 ± 9.15 out of 51 questions. In the second interview, correct answers were 48.67 ± 2.74 with an increase of 25.8% ( P < .001). In the first interview, the number of correct answers was higher for the following groups: 20‐39 age group, people with monthly income of >1081 $ and university graduates. The number of correct answers to all questions but one was elevated ( P < .001) in the second interview. Answers to the question " there is a carrier state in chronic hepatitis B ( CHB )" did not change ( P = .125). Conclusion: Significant improvement was observed in the correct answer rate after CP's contribution, therefore as a team member, CP has an important role in improving patients' knowledge and attitude towards HBV infection.