*Corresponding author: kingchiedu@gmail.com; +234 8033794645 ajopred.com KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF PHARMACEUTICAL CARE AMONG PHARMACISTS IN A STATE IN NIGERIA Amibor KC*, Onyegasi CS, Ezeudu PI Department of Pharmacy, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria ABSTRACT Pharmaceutical care is a patient centered, outcome oriented practice, requiring collaboration between pharmacists and other care givers. In Nigeria, pharmacy practice is still majorly product based. Although several studies have been carried out on knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmaceutical care in Nigeria, there are no published studies from Delta State as at the time of this study to the best of our knowledge. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmaceutical care among pharmacists in Delta State. This was a prospective study using a structured, pretested and self-administered questionnaire to 120 pharmacists that gathered in Abraka, in August, 2012. The four part Questionnaire evaluated demographics of respondents, knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmaceutical care. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS Version 17. Descriptive and chi square statistics were obtained. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of 120 questionnaires administered, 110 were returned giving a response rate of 91.7%. Nearly half (41.8%) were aged 31-40 years, more than half (59.1%) were males; half (50.0%) had Bachelor of Pharmacy as sole degree. Majority (84.5%) were married, about half (55.5%) were practicing in hospitals; a third (37.3%) had been practicing for 1-10 years. Knowledge was poor 49.1%, attitude was weak (57.3%), with male respondents having a more positive attitude than females ( 2 = 12.882, ٭P = 0.002, p < 0.05). Practice was poor (50.8%). Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmaceutical care in this study were poor; attitude was more positive in males than females. Factors militating against practice ranged from fear of change, lack of standards and space. Educational intervention such as the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development and attitudinal change are recommended to improve the knowledge and practice of pharmaceutical care. KEYWORDS: Knowledge, attitude, practice, pharmaceutical care, pharmacists INTRODUCTION Healthcare systems worldwide witnessed gradual and remarkable growth in pharmacy practice over the past four decades [1], while some of the traditional roles of pharmacists have changed, new ones have been introduced, resulting in a shift from a product focused professional practice to a more patient focused one, that is, one that emphasizes shared responsibility between the patient and the pharmacist for optimal drug therapy outcomes. [2] Therapy with prescribed medicines is a Collaborative process involving the patient, the physician, the pharmacist and other health care providers. [3] Following the adoption of pharmaceutical care philosophy as the primary mission of the pharmacy profession, pharmacists are now employing avant-garde patient care strategies such as pharmaceutical care. The philosophy of Pharmaceutical Care focuses on the responsibility of pharmacists to meet all of the patient’s drug related needs, and assist the patients in achieving their goal through collaboration with other health professionals. [4] Pharmaceutical care is defined as “the responsible provision of pharmacotherapy for the purpose of achieving African Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Development Vol. 10 No.1; pp. 022-031 (2018)