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Article

An overview of the experience of Iraqi COVID-19 patients, and the role of the pharmacists during their infection

Razan I. Nassar1★, Iman A. Basheti2,3, Alhareth Ahmad4, Shaymaa Al-Majmaie5, Dima Awajan6, Ruaa R. Al-Alwany6, Ayman Nassar7, Samar Thiab8★ Corresponding author

  1. 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
  2. 2Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jadara University, Irbid, Jordan.
  3. 3Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  4. 4Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.
  5. 5Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Diyala, Iraq.
  6. 6Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
  7. 7School of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Amman, Jordan.
  8. 8Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.

CORRESPONDENCE

Razan I. Nassar

MSc, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.

R_nassar@asu.edu.jo

Received: 07-10-2023; Accepted: 17-11-2023.

Volume 22, Issue 3 · pp. 2994 · PUBLISHED 19 July 2024 · DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2024.3.2994

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ABSTRACT

Background: The global healthcare systems have faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists have been frontline healthcare workers playing a pivotal role during this pandemic. This study aimed to understand the experiences of Iraqi COVID-19 patients and highlight the role of pharmacists during their infection. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted among the Iraqi public. Inclusion criteria comprised individuals residing in Iraq who had previously contracted COVID-19. The survey assessed demographic information, the COVID-19 experience of participants, and the role of pharmacists from the patient’s perspective. Results: Over 561 participants from various Iraqi cities responded. Most participants (43.5%) stated that their infection source was mainly contacting infected family or friends. About 40.0% of the participants required a specialist doctor visit during their infection, 5.9% required hospitalization, and 1.6% required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Regarding herbal products, 42.8% of the study’s participants used herbs. Fatigue and fever were the most comely reported symptoms. Vitamin C and analgesics were the most used supplements/medications. Of the participants, 35.0% stated that they visited a pharmacy in person, while 31.2% contacted pharmacists through a third person. Nearly half of the respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the statements highlighting the proactive role of pharmacists in providing medical advice, prevention tips, medication instructions, and drug-to-drug interaction guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant role of pharmacists in Iraq during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing their importance in patient care, medication management, and delivering health advice. Collaborative efforts between pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can further optimize patient care during health crises.

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    Nassar, R. I., Basheti, I. A., Ahmad, A., Al-Majmaie, S., Awajan, D., Al-Alwany, R. R., Nassar, A., & Thiab, S. (2024). An overview of the experience of Iraqi COVID-19 patients, and the role of the pharmacists during their infection. Pharmacy Practice, 22(3), 2994. https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2024.3.2994