Community Pharmacy Health Screenings: Aiding in assessing occurrence of obesity and associated factors amongst the community population

The increase of obesity among Malaysians is recognized as a health concern on par with hypertension and diabetes. Early detection such as health screenings and prevention via education, can reduce morbidity and mortality. Conducting health screenings through community pharmacies may be a good choice considering the easy access to the community. This study aimed to investigate the possible factors such as demographic (age, gender, family history of obesity) and lifestyle (exercise habit, frequency of eating outside, smoking behaviour) that are associated with occurrence of obesity. This was a cross-sectional study in an area of Johor, utilising a guided data collection form. Body Mass Index (BMI) was used as the parameter for obesity status. According to Clinical Practice Guideline on Management of Obesity 2004, Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27.5 kg/m² and more is considered obese. A total of 183 respondents revealed 62 (33.9%) were obese and 121 (66.1%) were not obese. Both family history of having obesity and exercise habit were significantly associated with BMI values that could be related to risk in obesity, while age and frequency of eating outside had no significant correlation and association respectively.&nbsp

Qualitative study on processes, issues and challenges in implementation of islamic obligatory cleansing (Sertu) in halal pharmaceutical industry

Islamic obligatory cleansing known as sertu  in Malay language is one of the essential elements to ensure the halal integrity of products including in pharmaceuticals [1], [2]. It is an islamic cleansing required to be conducted when tools and equipment in the production facility are contaminated with severe najs (Naj Mughallazah) which are of pork or dog-based contaminant.  Islamic law has prescribed the way to cleanse Naj Mughallazah by using one time of clay and clean water suspension followed by six times of rinsing with pure water (mutlaq) [3]. The study on the implementation of sertu  cleansing especially in halal pharmaceutical industry is very limited if any [4]. Hence this study was conducted to explore the process, issues, and challenges as well as to discover the success factors in the implementation of sertu cleansing in pharmaceutical facilities from the perspective of sertu providers. This study used the qualitative in-depth interview and purposive sampling technique where participants were selected among sertu providers who have the experience of conducting sertu cleansing in pharmaceutical facilities.  Data were analysed using thematic analysis and validated through triangulation with data from a few sources.&nbsp

Significance differences of demographic characteristics with total CVD/dyslipidemia score.

Significance differences of demographic characteristics with total CVD/dyslipidemia score.</p

Interest of CPs in terms of contents of educational materials.

Interest of CPs in terms of contents of educational materials.</p

S1 Data -

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, imposing a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems. The role of pharmacists in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is pivotal as they play an essential part in the healthcare team, particularly in medication management and patient education. Pharmacists are well-positioned to contribute to the prevention and control of CVD through various roles, including medication management and patient education. This study aims to investigate the current involvement of community pharmacists in Malaysia, specifically in cardiovascular diseases-related health promotion activities and dyslipidemia management, including their perceived barriers.MethodThis cross-sectional survey was conducted among community pharmacists in all 14 states of Malaysia between November 2021 and July 2022. The self-administered survey was shared to relevant groups through various social media platforms.ResultsA total of 312 community pharmacists were involved in the survey. Majority of the respondents were females (66%), with a mean age (SD) of 32.9 (8.4) years. Most of the respondents showed satisfactory practice for patient counselling, but improvements are needed particularly in risk assessment and collaborative care aspect. Most of them expressed their interest for dyslipidemia management training (89.4%). Lack of access to medical records (71.2%) and lack of CVD-related educational materials (70.8%) were the two main perceived barriers identified.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists in Malaysia provide a satisfactory role in the provision of cardiovascular disease-related health promotion activities, especially in providing patient counselling. Strengthening collaborative care is essential for providing comprehensive and patient-centered intervention in dyslipidemia management. This requires ongoing efforts to address and overcome existing barriers for effective teamwork and coordination among healthcare professionals.</div

Current involvement of CP in dyslipidemia care services.

Current involvement of CP in dyslipidemia care services.</p

Current involvement in cardiovascular diseases-related health promotion activities.

Current involvement in cardiovascular diseases-related health promotion activities.</p

Demographic characteristics of respondents.

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, imposing a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems. The role of pharmacists in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is pivotal as they play an essential part in the healthcare team, particularly in medication management and patient education. Pharmacists are well-positioned to contribute to the prevention and control of CVD through various roles, including medication management and patient education. This study aims to investigate the current involvement of community pharmacists in Malaysia, specifically in cardiovascular diseases-related health promotion activities and dyslipidemia management, including their perceived barriers.MethodThis cross-sectional survey was conducted among community pharmacists in all 14 states of Malaysia between November 2021 and July 2022. The self-administered survey was shared to relevant groups through various social media platforms.ResultsA total of 312 community pharmacists were involved in the survey. Majority of the respondents were females (66%), with a mean age (SD) of 32.9 (8.4) years. Most of the respondents showed satisfactory practice for patient counselling, but improvements are needed particularly in risk assessment and collaborative care aspect. Most of them expressed their interest for dyslipidemia management training (89.4%). Lack of access to medical records (71.2%) and lack of CVD-related educational materials (70.8%) were the two main perceived barriers identified.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists in Malaysia provide a satisfactory role in the provision of cardiovascular disease-related health promotion activities, especially in providing patient counselling. Strengthening collaborative care is essential for providing comprehensive and patient-centered intervention in dyslipidemia management. This requires ongoing efforts to address and overcome existing barriers for effective teamwork and coordination among healthcare professionals.</div

Perceived barriers in providing cardiovascular diseases prevention services.

Perceived barriers in providing cardiovascular diseases prevention services.</p