Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists towards management of hypertension in primary care centers

Hypertension is one of the major health problems of the world and one of the most important causes of death in Indonesia. Complication due to hypertension leads to myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal failure. Pharmacist in primary care centers (Puskesmas) plays an important role in the management of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of pharmacists working in Puskesmas in Surabaya, Indonesia, towards the management of hypertension. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to July 2019 in 63 Puskesmas in Surabaya. A questionnaire was developed from the literature to assess KAP and administered to the pharmacists. Data was analyzed using SPSS version-17 and presented in terms of descriptive variables. The mean age of the participants was 34.6 ± 4.9 years (24-45 years old), and 82.5% were females. Majority of the respondents (74.6%) had more than 5 years of experience in Puskesmas. Overall, pharmacists had moderate knowledge, and the majority had good attitude and showed satisfactory practice in the management of hypertension. There is still a need for continuing education, workshops, and seminars for pharmacists in order to maintain their performance.