From Knowledge to Action: Pharmacists’ Cognitive and Practical Responses to Micronutrient Deficiency in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31149/ijimm.v4i6.2937Keywords:
Attitude, irritable bowel syndrome, knowledge, micronutrient deficiencies, practiceAbstract
Background: Globally, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) influences an estimated 4% to 10% of the population. Patients with IBS are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies as a result of inadequate dietary intake and impaired intestinal absorption. Aims: This study aimed to assess pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding micronutrient deficiencies among patients with IBS, as well as to ascertain factors associated with KAP scores. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted between October 2025 and March 2026. Data were collected from pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Babil Province. The KAP questionnaire comprised of four sections. Results: The total of 66 out of 80 pharmacists were included in this cross-sectional survey. The results demonstrated that the high proportion of pharmacists had moderate knowledge (36.4%), moderate attitude (65.2%), and good practice (51.5% ). A significant positive correlation was reported between scores for knowledge and attitude and between knowledge and practice scores. A significant positive correlation was also demonstrated between attitude and practice scores. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the high proportion of pharmacists had moderate knowledge and attitudes as well as good practice regarding micronutrient deficiencies.
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