Use of drug information resources, knowledge, and competence for managing medication related problems: results of a community pharmacy survey in Egypt.

OBJECTIVES: Community pharmacists provide reliable healthcare information, over-the-counter services, and help prevent medication errors. This study aimed to assess the drug information (DI) resources commonly used in community pharmacy practice in Egypt, and the perceived barriers to their use. It also evaluates the pharmacists and students/trainees' knowledge and competence in addressing various medication-related problems. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists and pharmacy students/trainees in Egypt. A structured, self-administered questionnaire collected demographic data, patterns of DI resource use, perceived barriers, and responses to medication-related clinical scenarios designed to assess knowledge and competence. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression were performed to identify factors associated with knowledge scores. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 248 participants (mean age: 31.4 ± 11.5 years) completed the survey. Most respondents (89.9%) reported using professional DI resources and 78.6% used mobile DI applications or websites designed for healthcare professionals. The mean knowledge score was 4.33 ± 0.90 (range: 0-8). Formal training was associated with higher scores (β = 0.857, P = .003), whereas students/trainees scored lower than community pharmacists (β = -1.156, P = .013). The highest correct response rate (74.5%) was for identifying the interaction between sildenafil and isosorbide mononitrate. CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacists and pharmacy students/trainees in Egypt reported frequent use of digital DI resources; however, their knowledge and performance remained moderate. Formal training was associated with better performance, highlighting the need to strengthen education and continuing professional development through collaboration between educational institutions and professional bodies.