Awareness, perceptions, and concerns of community pharmacists regarding online pharmacies: A Cross-sectional survey

Pharmacy Practice

  • Mariam Ahmad Alameri1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
  • Lobna Gharaibeh2Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Amman Arab University, Mubis, 11953, Jordan.
  • Mervat M. Alsous3Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
  • Alhareth Alsa’d4Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.
  • Aya Y Al-Kabariti4Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.
  • Meriem Rezigue5Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
  • Maha Mansoor6Hikaya Pharmacy, Amman, Jordan.
  • Sireen Abdul Rahim Shilbayeh7Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia.
  • Nadia Al Mazrouei8Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutic, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah.

Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 1-9

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.2.3585

Abstract

Background: The numerous benefits offered by online pharmacies have led to their spread in many countries. These pharmacies provide consumers with a source for purchasing drugs and services online and delivering them to their homes. Objective: To explore the concerns, awareness, and perceptions of community pharmacists regarding online pharmacies. Method: This was a web-based survey conducted from November 2022 to October 2023 through the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire. A hybrid sampling strategy was employed to increase reach and guarantee sufficient participation. Results: A total of 478 pharmacists agreed to participate in this study, with a response rate of 88.5% (478/540). The mean awareness score for all participants was 11.94 ±3.72 out of 25 (median: 12, IQR: 6). And the perception score was 17.07 ±5.42 out of 30 (median: 17, IQR: 6). Around three-quarters (73.01%) of the participants are willing to offer online services, but most of them are concerned about the safe delivery of medications (63.18%). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance community pharmacists’ awareness of online pharmacies, particularly in Amman. Factors such as recent graduation, social media activity, and frequent internet use play crucial roles. These findings address critical gaps in understanding Jordanian pharmacists’ concerns, perceptions, and awareness regarding online pharmacy services.

Keywords

  • Online pharmacies
  • awareness
  • perception
  • concerns
  • community pharmacist
  • Jordan
Pharmacy Practice

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