Examining public perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk screening programs in community pharmacies: a...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Pharmacy Practice

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a major health challenge in Saudi Arabia, necessitating proactive risk management strategies.
• Community pharmacies (CPs) present an accessible platform for CVD risk screening, yet local initiatives are underdeveloped.
• Understanding public perceptions is crucial for the successful integration of pharmacy-based CVD screening services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate public perceptions influencing the acceptance of community pharmacy-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk screening in Saudi Arabia.
• To identify key factors that encourage or hinder public engagement with pharmacy-based CVD screening services.

Main Methods:

• A convergent parallel mixed-methods approach utilized online questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
• Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were subjected to framework analysis using the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Main Results:

• Over half of participants trusted pharmacists for CVD screening, with accessibility and convenience being significant motivators.
• Perceived susceptibility, severity, and self-efficacy, informed by the HBM, positively influenced acceptance.
• Concerns regarding privacy, cost, and pharmacy staffing levels emerged as notable barriers to service uptake.

Conclusions:

• Public attitudes towards community pharmacy CVD screening are generally favorable, supported by trust and perceived benefits.
• The Health Belief Model effectively explains the motivations and barriers influencing public engagement.
• Addressing privacy, cost, and staffing issues is critical for the successful implementation and expansion of these services.