Pharmacy and Pharm.D students' knowledge and information needs about COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pharmaceutical Education
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for comprehensive healthcare collaboration.
• Pharmacists and pharmacy students are crucial in pandemic response.
• Ensuring future pharmacists have adequate pandemic knowledge is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge and information requirements of Pharmacy and Pharm.D students regarding COVID-19.
• To identify specific areas where students' understanding of COVID-19 is lacking.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered to Pharmacy and Pharm.D students in Jordan.
• The survey assessed socio-demographics and COVID-19 knowledge using validated questionnaires.
• Data was collected via Google Forms from undergraduate students at accredited universities.

Main Results:

• 860 students completed the survey, revealing moderate COVID-19 knowledge (5.6/10).
• Students demonstrated strong knowledge of transmission, treatment, zoonotic aspects, and avoided medications.
• Knowledge gaps were identified concerning incubation periods and contagion levels.
• Factors like field of study and academic year influenced knowledge levels.
• Students primarily used self-reading and social media, with limited reliance on faculty for information.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacy and Pharm.D students exhibit an unsatisfactory level of COVID-19 knowledge and significant information needs.
• Universities must play a more active role in educating pharmacy students about COVID-19 and future pandemics.
• Targeted educational interventions are necessary to improve pandemic preparedness among future pharmacists.