The role of community pharmacists and their perception towards antimicrobial stewardship in Baghdad, Iraq.

Background: This study aimed to assess the role of community pharmacists and their perception toward antimicrobial stewardship, in addition to identifying factors influencing their perception and practices in community pharmacy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among community pharmacists regarding antimicrobial stewardship. Convenience sampling was used to obtain the required sample from a community pharmacy in Baghdad.

Dispensing of antibiotics in community pharmacy in Iraq: a qualitative study.

Objective: This study aimed to understand the dispensing practice of antibiotics in community pharmacy in Iraq, in addition to explore the community pharmacists' perception about dispensing antibiotics without prescription.

Methods: A qualitative design was conducted on community pharmacists in Baghdad, Iraq. Pharmacists were selected conveniently from different gender, age group, pharmacy type and years of experience.

Adherence to the Malaysian clinical practice guideline for depression by general practitioners in private practice in Penang.

Introduction: Most primary care in Malaysia is provided by general practitioners in private practice. To date, little is known about how Malaysian General Practitioners (GPs) manage patients with depression. We surveyed privately practising primary care physicians in the state of Penang, Malaysia, in relation to their experience of the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) in Major Depressive Disorder, their current practice and perceived barriers in managing depression effectively.

Assessment of self-reporting reading of medicine's labels and the resources of information about medicines in general public in Malaysia.

This study was undertaken to assess the people's self-reported reading of medicine labels and its associated factors and to assess the sources of information about medicines among general public. A cross-sectional study was carried out among general public in the State of Penang, Malaysia. A total of 888 participants were conveniently selected and completed the survey.

Assessment of health seeking behaviour and self-medication among general public in the state of Penang, Malaysia.

Background: Patients' behaviour in making decisions regarding health is currently changing from passive recipients to recipients who play an active role in taking action to control their health and taking self-care initiatives.

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the health seeking behaviour among general public and its associated factors; and to evaluate the medicine taking behaviour in public and the practice of self-medication.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among general public in Penang Island, Malaysia.

A qualitative study exploring medicines use pattern and practice among general public in Malaysia.

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the pattern and practice of medicine use among the general public; and to explore the key factors influencing medicine use among medicine users.

Methods: A qualitative approach using focus group discussions was conducted to get in-depth information about medicines use pattern and practice from the general public. Adult people who reported using medicines at the time of study or in the previous month were approached.

Knowledge and perception about health risks of cigarette smoking among Iraqi smokers.

Background: Smoking is a major public health problem, especially in Iraq. There is very little information had been documented regarding smoking risk factors and quit intention among Iraqi smokers.

Objectives: The main objectives of this study are to determine smokers' knowledge and perception about smoking health risks; and to determine smoking behavior and quitting intentions among Iraqi smokers; as well as to predict the factors that may associate with quit intentions.

Children's knowledge and beliefs about medicines.

Minor illnesses in children are often cured at home with over the counter medicines. Even though there is a wide use of medicines among children, they rarely receive medical advice about their medications from doctors or pharmacists. The aim of this study is to evaluate children's beliefs about medicines as well as to explain what children know about medicines.

Parent's knowledge and management of their children's ailments in Malaysia.

Unlabelled: Minor ailments like sore throat, fever, cough and diarrhea can be relieved with over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as paracetamol or other traditional remedies, without seeking for consultation from general practitioners. Parents usually take the responsibility to come up with some kind of treatment for their children.

Objective: (1) to evaluate the parents' medical knowledge about OTC medicines which are usually used by the parents to treat their children and (2) to evaluate the parents' management in dealing with their children's ailments, and (3) to evaluate the association between medical knowledge and the management of children's ailments related to medicine use among the parents.