Exploring Nigerian pharmacists’ attitudes and perceptions to continuing education and professional development

Authors

  • Abba Khalid Abdullahi Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • Maryam Adenike Salaudeen Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • Adaobi Uchenna Mosanya University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8442-4358
  • Abdurrasheed Abdullahi Haruna Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • Kelechi Wisdom Elechi University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0691-4180
  • Muhammad Kabir Musa Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6371-8587
  • Garba Mohammed Khalid Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2023.231.8999

Keywords:

Continuing education, Continuing professional development, Perception of pharmacist, Pharmacist attitude

Abstract

Background: Many professions undergo continuous training to keep abreast of happenings and current trends. Pharmacy is one of such profession; it achieves this by participating in Mandatory continuing professional development  (MCPD). MCPDs come in various forms, including seminars, conference attendance, and reading research journals.  

Aim: This study sets out to assess and explore pharmacists’ attitudes towards continuing education in Nigeria and investigate the perceived barriers that hinder pharmacists from being involved in continuing education (CE) activities.   

Methods: A validated questionnaire composed of 19 items was shared online among pharmacists practicing in different settings in Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the variables.   

Results: A total of 586 pharmacists participated in the study. A high percentage (77.8%) of those who completed the questionnaire strongly agreed that life-long learning is a professional responsibility of all pharmacists to increase their knowledge. A fair number of the participants (52.90%) adopted a positive attitude toward CE, while almost a similar percentage (47.10%) of participants displayed poor attitudes. The main barriers identified were the lack of time (49.10%), the cost of (MCPD) programmes (65.90%), and job constraints (64.80%).  

Conclusion: This study showed that the attitude of Nigerian Pharmacists toward CE is polarised between positive and negative, with several factors impeding their involvement in CE.

Author Biographies

Abba Khalid Abdullahi, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy

Maryam Adenike Salaudeen, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Adaobi Uchenna Mosanya, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management

Abdurrasheed Abdullahi Haruna, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry

Kelechi Wisdom Elechi, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management

Muhammad Kabir Musa, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy

Garba Mohammed Khalid, Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom

Pharmaceutical Engineering Group, School of Pharmacy

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Published

31-01-2023

How to Cite

Abdullahi, A. K., Salaudeen, M. A., Mosanya, A. U., Haruna, A. A., Elechi, K. W., Musa, M. K., & Khalid, G. M. (2023). Exploring Nigerian pharmacists’ attitudes and perceptions to continuing education and professional development. Pharmacy Education, 23(1), p. 89–99. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2023.231.8999

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Section

Research Article