Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025
Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
Tele-pharmacy perception, knowledge and associated factors among pharmacy students in northwest Ethiopia: an input
Masresha Derese Tegegne1, Sisay Maru Wubante2, Mequannent Sharew Melaku2
1Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia. masresha1derese@gmail.com.
Background:
Tele-pharmacy is a subset of telemedicine in which pharmacies use telecommunication technology to provide patient care. Tele-pharmacy can improve pharmaceutical care service delivery by reducing medication errors, improving access to health professionals and facilities in remote and rural areas, and minimizing adverse drug events. However, there is limited evidence regarding future pharmacists' knowledge and perceptions of the Tele-pharmacy system in Ethiopia. As a result, this study aimed to assess tele-Pharmacy perception, knowledge and associated factors among pharmacy students in Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods:
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 pharmacy students in Northwest Ethiopia between July 15 and August 27, 2022. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered using Epi info version 7.0 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to describe pharmacy students' knowledge and perceptions of Tele-pharmacy and identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio (OR) and a p-value with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to declare statistical significance.
Results:
From a total of 352 participants, about 32.4% with [95% CI (27%-37%)] and 48.6% with [95% CI (43%-54%)] had good knowledge and a positive perception toward Tele-pharmacy, respectively. Being age group of 26-30 (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.68), being male (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.26-4.49), Having a CPGA of > 3.5 (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.24-4.19), Taking basic computer training (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.17-3.39), Management support (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.06-3.19) were found to be significantly associated with pharmacy students' knowledge of Tele-pharmacy. Similarly, having access to electronic devices (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.81-7.97), training related to pharmacy information systems (AOR = 6.66, 95% CI: 3.34-13.29), availability of guidelines (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.62-5.50) were found to be significantly associated with pharmacy students' perceptions of Tele-pharmacy.
Conclusion:
This study found that pharmacy students have limited knowledge and perceptions of the Tele-pharmacy system. A continuing Tele-pharmacy training package, incorporating pharmacy information system guidelines as part of their education, and providing managerial support could be recommended to improve pharmacy students' knowledge and perception of Tele-pharmacy.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Factors Affecting Perception
An illustrative example of a perceptual set is the scenario where an airline pilot told...
01:28Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics: Overview
01:30Factors Affecting Drug Distribution: Tissue Permeability
Small molecules with a molecular weight below 500 to 600 Daltons can easily pass through the capillary membrane, gaining access to different tissues. Larger...
01:28Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Pharmaceutical Parameters
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
01:19Factors Affecting Drug Distribution: Miscellaneous Factors
Age plays a significant role due to differences in body composition among different age groups. Infants, for instance, have a higher proportion of total body water and lower albumin levels, a protein that binds drugs in the bloodstream. This unique composition in infants enhances the...