Knowledge of pharmacists about anti-epileptic drugs in Sudan: a cross-sectional analytical study

TL;DR

Most pharmacists in Sudan have poor knowledge about anti-epileptic drugs, with training and experience being key factors in improving their understanding.

Contribution

This study provides new insights into the knowledge gaps of Sudanese pharmacists regarding AEDs and identifies factors influencing their expertise.

Findings

The majority of pharmacists (93.5%) showed poor knowledge about anti-epileptic drugs.

Training on AEDs significantly improved pharmacists' knowledge levels.

Years of experience correlated with better knowledge of AEDs.

Abstract

Pharmacists play essential roles in the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), inadequate knowledge among community and hospital pharmacists regarding AEDs poses a significant challenge in ensuring optimal medication management and patient care.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of pharmacists about antiepileptic drugs in Sudan.

This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Atbara, Gadarif, Kassala, and Port Sudan, Sudan. Using stratified, convenience sampling technique. We collected data directly via a modified, validated English questionnaire from the 1st to the 30th of October 2024.

In total, 384 pharmacists were included. Among them, 300 (78.1%) were under 35 years of age, and the majority of participants were male 213 (55.5%), 157 (40.9%) had a basic bachelor’s degree, and 330 (85.9%) received specialized AEDs training. The overall median score of knowledge percentages among participants was 10, with an interquartile range of 30 {25– (-5)}. Only 25 participants (6.5%) demonstrated good knowledge, while a majority of 359 (93.5%) exhibited poor knowledge. There was a statistically significant correlation between years of experience (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.437; 95% CI 0.224–0.855; p value 0.016) and training on AEDs (AOR 0.085; 95% CI 0.031–0.233; p value 0.001) with their level of good knowledge.

Our study revealed that the majority of pharmacists in Sudan had a poor level of knowledge about AEDs. The level of knowledge was associated with years of experience and training on AEDs. These results highlight the need for pharmacists to have more training and more exposure to epilepsy and its management.