Towards improving the health of a nation: the role of community pharmacists in Shah Alam and Klang in the management and prevention of diabetes / Farah Nadia Yahaya

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide health problem. Diabetes is associated with abnormalities in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Pharmacists are in an ideal position to play an important role in the management and prevention of diabetes. So, it was important for community pharmacists to establish good attitude, practice and knowledge towards diabetes in order to improve the health of the nation by taking steps in reducing the prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia. The current study attempts to determine the level awareness and knowledge of diabetes and prediabetes among pharmacists from community pharmacies in Shah Alam. Questionnaires were distributed to 46 community pharmacies and the data were analyzed using SPSS. On the surface, community pharmacists in Shah Alam and Klang had a good attitude (93.5%), practice (67.4%) and knowledge (95.7%) towards diabetes management and prevention. However, some of the pharmacists lacked an opportunity to practice their skills. Only 45.7% of pharmacists did pharmacological intervention and most of them did non­ pharmacological intervention. The recommendation of this study include all the pharmacist in Malaysia should undergo Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training in order to maintain their skill and knowledge of diabetes management and prevention. D-MTAC should implement in community pharmacies so that community pharmacists can directly monitor the patient's adherence to diabetes therapy in a positive manner. The Ministry of Health and numerous stakeholders should organize health campaigns to boost community awareness of diabetes.