Knowledge, attitude and practice of Sudanese pharmacist with regard to management of diabetes during Ramadan: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: Fasting during Ramadan for some individuals with diabetes may lead to complications. Pharmacists may assist in dose adjustment and compliance with medication during Ramadan. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of Sudanese community pharmacists in the management of diabetes during Ramadan.

Method: A cross-sectional study from April to June 2017, included 330 pharmacies in Khartoum state. The sampling technique was done by two methods using stratified and systematic methods for seven localities of Khartoum State. The community pharmacists were assessed in their knowledge about Medication regimen adjustment (MRA), diabetes risk stratification and the condition in which the fasting diabetic patient have to stop their fast.

Results: The total response rate was 311(94.2%), and the females were 203(65.3%). Pharmacists mean age was 27.6 (SD = 5.9), ranged between 21-62 years. Importantly, more than 75% of the Pharmacists have sufficient knowledge of both identifying high-risk individuals and whether they need to break their fasting. The practice questions answered correctly by more than 80% of pharmacists in relation to monitor blood glucose level, undergo meal planning to avoid hypoglycemia and dehydration during prolong fasting hours and to undergo meal choices to avoid postprandial hyperglycemia. Importantly, 56.9% community pharmacists advised individuals with diabetes about physical activity. The barriers that hindering the proper counseling was attributed to the Lack of knowledge (71.4%). MRA was reported as highly important by (56.6%) and extremely important by (39.2%). The confidence of knowledge about MRA was reported by 52.1%.

Conclusion: This study showed that pharmacists had sufficient knowledge, positive attitude and good practice about diabetes management during Ramadan.