Assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Egyptian pharmacists on probiotics: a cross-sectional study

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BACKGROUND: Probiotics, live microorganisms offering health benefits, have gained attention for their potential in preventing various health conditions. Despite their availability, usage remains limited, possibly due to a lack of understanding among healthcare professionals. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of Egyptian pharmacists regarding probiotics. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the KAP of Egyptian pharmacists concerning probiotics. Data were collected using a convenient sampling method. The questionnaire, developed after a literature review and pilot-tested for reliability, included sections on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to recommending probiotics. RESULTS: Only 11% of pharmacists demonstrated good knowledge of probiotics, while 82% exhibited a positive attitude. However, just 3% reported good practice in recommending probiotics. Younger pharmacists (18-24 years) and those with less experience (0-4 years) showed poorer knowledge and attitudes. In contrast, older pharmacists (45-54 years) and those with more experience (10-14 years) had better knowledge and attitudes. Female pharmacists were more likely to have a positive attitude than males. Barriers to recommending probiotics included a lack of established clinical applications and insufficient knowledge. CONCLUSION: The study highlights significant gaps in the knowledge and practice of Egyptian pharmacists regarding probiotics, despite positive attitudes. Age, experience, and professional exposure are crucial factors influencing KAP. Enhanced educational resources and training are needed to improve pharmacists' understanding and integration of probiotics into healthcare practices.

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