# Pharmacogenomics knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among pharmacists in the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional analysis

## TL;DR

This study assesses pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes toward pharmacogenomics in Saudi Arabia's Asir region, finding poor knowledge but strong willingness to adopt personalized medicine.

## Contribution

The study provides the first cross-sectional analysis of pharmacists' pharmacogenomics knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- 71.3% of pharmacists showed poor knowledge of pharmacogenomics.
- Pharmacists with no prior PGx training were significantly less likely to have good knowledge.
- Strong positive attitudes and perceptions were reported despite knowledge gaps.

## Abstract

As personalized medicine progresses in Saudi Arabia, pharmacists endure a central role in pharmacogenomics (PGx) implementation. This cross-sectional study weighed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of pharmacists in the Asir region regarding PGx, a region with limited published data. A total of 209 pharmacists took part, the majority of whom were male (68.4%) and aged 18–39 years (96.2%). Results revealed that 71.3% of pharmacists displayed poor knowledge, whereas positive attitudes (90.9%) and perceptions (87.6%) were widely expressed. Significant associations developed between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.015) and between knowledge and perception (p = 0.036). A moderate correlation was also reflected between attitude and perception (p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.44). Logistic regression showed that pharmacists lacking previous PGx training (OR = 0.257, p < 0.001) or lacking experience with genetic conditions (OR = 0.389, p = 0.022) were significantly less likely to demonstrate good knowledge. Regardless of evident knowledge gaps, pharmacists showed a strong willingness to integrate PGx into clinical practice. These findings highlight an imperative need for structured PGx training programs, integration of PGx into pharmacy curricula, ongoing professional development workshops, and institutional strategies to support operative PGx adoption in healthcare settings across the Asir region and Saudi Arabia.