%0 Journal Article
%T Assessment of Community Pharmacy Services and Preparedness in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
%A Abdulaziz Alhossan
%A Noha Al Aloola
%A Manar Basoodan
%A Munirah Alkathiri
%A Razan Alshahrani
%A Wael Mansy
%A Thamer A Almangour
%J Annals of Pharmacy Education, Safety, and Public Health Advocacy
%@ 3108-4850
%D 2024
%V 4
%N 1
%R 10.51847/C52qAb0bZW
%P 43-49
%X The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in late 2019 triggered a shift in healthcare priorities globally, with pharmacies playing a pivotal role in supporting the healthcare system throughout the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the preparedness and service delivery of community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 crisis. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2020, using an electronic questionnaire distributed to community pharmacists across the country. The survey focused on assessing preventive measures, public knowledge, and the impact of the pandemic on pharmacy operations. A total of 315 pharmacists participated in the study. The majority of respondents (81.9%) participated in COVID-19 educational programs, with 56.6% attending mandatory sessions. Key preventive actions implemented in pharmacies included hand sanitization (90.8%), face mask usage (89.2%), and body temperature checks (85.1%). The pandemic significantly impacted pharmaceutical counseling and public education, with 52.1% and 49.5% of pharmacists noting substantial changes in these areas. The findings suggest that there is a strong adherence to preventive measures in community pharmacies, though many actions were carried out voluntarily and adjusted to meet local needs.
%U https://smerpub.com/article/assessment-of-community-pharmacy-services-and-preparedness-in-saudi-arabia-during-the-covid-19-pande-ysp8bupmu6blyva