Abstract

The present study evaluated community pharmacist (CP) knowledge about combined oral contraceptives (COCs) in a developing country. A cross-sectional study was conducted in community pharmacies of the Assis and Ourinhos micro-regions, Brazil, between June 1, 2012 and October 30, 2012. A structured questionnaire developed by the research team was applied to evaluate CP knowledge about COCs. The structured questionnaire consisted of seven multiple-choice questions about the mechanism of action, method of initiation, drug dosage, recommendations for missed COC doses, contraindications, adverse effects, and drug interactions. The percentage of CPs who answered the questions correctly was determined. Of the 185 CPs contacted, 41 (22.2%) agreed to participate in the study and finished the study protocol. A total of 13 (31.7%), 19 (46.3%), 19 (46.3%), and 5 (12.2%) CPs correctly answered questions about the mechanism of action, method of initiation, drug dosage, and recommendations for missed COC doses, respectively. With regards to contraindications, adverse effects, and drug interactions, the number of CPs who answered these questions correctly was 23 (56.1%), 29 (70.1%), and 23 (56.1%), respectively. The CPs evaluated in the present study had several gaps in their knowledge about COCs, with approximately half of the individuals inadequately answering the questions asked.

Key words: Pharmacy practice, pharmacy education, combined oral contraceptive.

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