COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS’ PERCEPTION AND EXPERIENCE IN PROVIDING LIFESTYLE ASSISTANCE TO PATIENTS WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Management of behavioral risk factors is recommended for primary and secondary prevention of CVDs. There is evidence that the involvement of community pharmacies in health promotion activities is successful. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess community pharmacists’ perception and current practice in providing lifestyle assistance to patients with cardiovascular disease and to identify potential barriers to the provision of lifestyle assistance in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Klang Valley using convenience sampling. A self-administered 54-item questionnaire was used to collect information on the current practice and perception of community pharmacists, and potential barriers in providing lifestyle assistance to patients with cardiovascular disease. Results: The response rate was 62.8%. Most of the services investigated were available in the pharmacy except for advice on alcohol consumption (52.7%) and screening and/or monitoring services for obesity (57.7%), which are less likely to be available. For most of the listed activities in relation to the provision of lifestyle assistance to patients with cardiovascular disease, the majority of the pharmacists responded that they did it “sometimes” or “most of the time”. Over 75% of the pharmacists responded with “agree to strongly agree” for most of the statements on perception towards the provision of lifestyle assistance to patients with the cardiovascular disease while >80% of the pharmacists identified lack of time/heavy workload and lack of staff as the main potential barriers in the provision of lifestyle assistance. Conclusion: Community pharmacists in Klang Valley provide lifestyle assistance to patients with cardiovascular disease to some extent and have a positive perception towards the provision of lifestyle assistance. However, their involvement may be limited due to multiple barriers.