Attitudes and knowledge of sixth-year pharmacy students on blood pressure monitoring in community pharmacies

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the attitudes and knowledge of the 6^th year pharmacy students toward blood pressure monitoring in community pharmacies via an online self-administered questionnaire. One hundred and forty-seven pharmacy students responded the questionnaire (49.8% of an intended sample size). Of those respondents, 84.3% and 15.6% were studying at the public universities and private universities, respectively. Most of the respondents had positive attitudes toward the service of blood pressure monitoring in community pharmacies. However, an average score of knowledge related to the monitoring of blood pressure was 12.32±3.1 out of the total score of 23. The most incorrect answers included appropriateness of the device, interpretation of the measured blood pressure reading, maintenance of the device, and measurement technique. The 6^th year pharmacy students had positive attitudes toward the blood pressure monitoring service in community pharmacies but their knowledge about blood pressure monitoring should be improved to provide services to patients as appropriate and most effective.