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Article

Pharmacists, knowledge and counseling practices regarding tirzepatide for obesity and type 2 diabetes management in the UAE

Anan S. Jarab1, Jana Abdallah1, Walid Al-Qerem2, Ahmad Z Al Meslamani3, Qais Alefan1, Yazid N Al Hamarneh4, Maher Khdour5, Rami Beiram6, Salahdein Aburuz6★★ Corresponding author

  1. 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JORDAN.
  2. 2Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, JORDAN.
  3. 3College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.
  4. 4Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, CANADA.
  5. 5College of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Jerusalem, PALESTINE.
  6. 6Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.

CORRESPONDENCE

Salahdein Aburuz

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.

saburuz@uaeu.ac.ae

Received: 15-04-2026; Accepted: 04-06-2026.

Volume 24, Issue 3 · pp. 3596 · PUBLISHED 2026 · DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3596

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ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess UAE pharmacists’ knowledge and counseling practices regarding tirzepatide for obesity and type 2 diabetes, and to identify barriers to dispensing and factors associated with better counseling. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey (March–June 2024) of licensed community and hospital pharmacists across the UAE used a structured questionnaire covering demographics, a 54-item knowledge scale, a 15-item counseling frequency scale, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics summarized responses. Quantile regression examined associations of pharmacist characteristics and knowledge with counseling practices. Results: Of 405 respondents, 386 were analyzed. Most expressed willingness to engage in obesity management (95.1%). Mean knowledge score was 27.78/54, indicating overall insufficiency. Gaps included mechanism of action (49% incorrect/unknown), dosing and titration, renal/hepatic adjustments, dosage form, and recognition of adverse effects and contraindications. Median counseling score was 33/45 (IQR 25–42); frequently omitted topics included missed-dose management (54.7%), schedule modifications (53.9%), treatment duration (51.6%), hypoglycemia risk (51.0%), and expected outcomes (50.8%). Key barriers were medication cost (78%), limited patient knowledge (73.6%), and drug shortages (68.4%), with additional concerns about injections and perceived efficacy/necessity. In regression, higher knowledge was associated with better counseling (β=0.492; 95% CI 0.291–0.693; p<0.001), as was working in chain pharmacies (β=5.183; 95% CI 1.650–8.716; p=0.004). Serving 31–60 patients/day predicted higher knowledge versus >60/day (β=2.593; 95% CI 0.672–4.514; p=0.008). Reluctance to engage in obesity care predicted lower knowledge (β=−4.148; 95% CI −7.703 to −0.593; p=0.022). Conclusions: UAE pharmacists showed strong willingness but suboptimal knowledge and counseling about tirzepatide. Targeted education, practical counseling tools, and system support (availability, affordability) are needed to optimize pharmacist-led care.

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    Jarab, A. S., Abdallah, J., Al-Qerem, W., Meslamani, A. Z. A., Alefan, Q., Hamarneh, Y. N. A., Khdour, M., Beiram, R., & Aburuz, S. (2026). Pharmacists, knowledge and counseling practices regarding tirzepatide for obesity and type 2 diabetes management in the UAE. Pharmacy Practice, 24(3), 3596. https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3596