An overview of the experience of Iraqi COVID-19 patients, and the role of the pharmacists during their infection

Pharmacy Practice

  • Razan I. Nassar1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
  • Iman A. Basheti2Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jadara University, Irbid, Jordan., 3Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  • Alhareth Ahmad4Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.
  • Shaymaa Al-Majmaie5Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Diyala, Iraq.
  • Dima Awajan6Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
  • Ruaa R. Al-Alwany6Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
  • Ayman Nassar7School of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Amman, Jordan.
  • Samar Thiab8Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.

Volume 22 Issue 3 Pages 1-10

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2024.3.2994

Abstract

Background: The global healthcare systems have faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists have been frontline healthcare workers playing a pivotal role during this pandemic. This study aimed to understand the experiences of Iraqi COVID-19 patients and highlight the role of pharmacists during their infection. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted among the Iraqi public. Inclusion criteria comprised individuals residing in Iraq who had previously contracted COVID-19. The survey assessed demographic information, the COVID-19 experience of participants, and the role of pharmacists from the patient’s perspective. Results: Over 561 participants from various Iraqi cities responded. Most participants (43.5%) stated that their infection source was mainly contacting infected family or friends. About 40.0% of the participants required a specialist doctor visit during their infection, 5.9% required hospitalization, and 1.6% required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Regarding herbal products, 42.8% of the study’s participants used herbs. Fatigue and fever were the most comely reported symptoms. Vitamin C and analgesics were the most used supplements/medications. Of the participants, 35.0% stated that they visited a pharmacy in person, while 31.2% contacted pharmacists through a third person. Nearly half of the respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the statements highlighting the proactive role of pharmacists in providing medical advice, prevention tips, medication instructions, and drug-to-drug interaction guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant role of pharmacists in Iraq during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing their importance in patient care, medication management, and delivering health advice. Collaborative efforts between pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can further optimize patient care during health crises.

Keywords

  • covid-19
  • pharmacists
  • Iraq
  • patient care
  • medication management
Pharmacy Practice

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