Pharmacist knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pharmacy code of practice and ethics in Iraq

The Iraqi pharmacy code of practice and ethics enables pharmacists to resolve conflicts between the code and patient demands and satisfy their needs. This study evaluates pharmacists' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the pharmacy code of practice and ethics.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in three different provenances (Baghdad, Al-Diwaniya, and Wasit) from October 1st to December 31st, 2022.

Among 202 Iraqi pharmacists, the mean age was (30.4 ± 6.8) years old, and about (59%) of the participants were aware of the Iraqi Code of Practice and Ethics; similar results were found regarding their practice. About two-thirds of the participants agreed that modifying the Iraqi Pharmacy Code of Practice and Ethics will enable pharmacists to resolve the conflict between the code and patient demands, satisfy their needs, and raise healthcare standards. More than two-thirds of the participants thought that they don't need training courses to give vaccines for addiction, smoking cessation, obesity, or sleeping problems.

According to the study, more than half of the Iraqi pharmacists exhibited good knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the pharmacy code of practice and ethics. However, it is recommended that Iraqi pharmacists engage in comprehensive training programs covering different aspects of healthcare, such as vaccination and smoking cessation, to further improve their contribution to the healthcare system.