WHO EMRO | Knowledge and practice characteristics of pharmacists in Qatar towards medication use in PDF version Pallivalapilla Abdul Rouf 1,  Binny Thomas 1,2,3, Wessam Elkassem 1,3, Asma Tarannum 3 , Doua Al Saad 3 , Mohammed M. Gasim 3 and Moza Al Hail 1,2,3 1 Corporate Pharmacy, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar (Correspondence to: Binny Thomas: binnyinhmc@gmail.com; b.thomas1@rgu.ac.uk). 2 Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. 3 Wom en’s Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. Abstract Background: Medication use during pregnancy is common. Pharmacists have an important role in improving medication use during pregnancy. There is a lack of empirical evidence on pharmacists’ knowledge and practice characteristics towards medication use in pregnancy. Objectives : This study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice characteristics of pharmacists in Qatar about medicines use in pregnancy. Methods : A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted over a period of 6 months in 2010. Questionnaires were distributed to 400 of 800 licensed pharmacists employed in Qatar (in government and private sectors). Data were collected on: demographics and practice characteristics of the pharmacists; their knowledge and perception about medication use in pregnancy; their confidence in dealing with pregnant women and physicians; and their source of the drug information. Results : Of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 207 were returned (52% response rate). Most pharmacists (71%) had not participated in any educational activities on medication use in pregnancy. About 50% reported that 1 / 15