Assessment of the Level of Knowledge about Migraines and Medication Among Pharmacy Technicians
Recep Baydemir1
, Duygu Kurt Gök2, Şeyma Benli1, Murat Gültekin3, Mehmet Fatih Yetkin1, Elçin Balcı4
1Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Kayseri, Türkiye
2Kayseri City Hospital, Clinic of Neurology, Kayseri, Türkiye
3Atlas University Medicine Hospital, Clinic of Neurology, Istanbul, Türkiye
4Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Kayseri, Türkiye
Keywords: Migraine, pharmacy technician, public health
Abstract
Objective: A limited number of studies focus on pharmacy technicians (PT) and their knowledge level regarding migraines. The present study aimed to determine their level of awareness and knowledge regarding migraines and migraine treatment.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine in Kayseri, Türkiye. It was conducted from February 2019 to May 2019 and completed with the participation of 324 PTs (75.8% response rate). Forms containing questions about the diagnosis of migraines, the characteristics, and the treatments were administered to the PTs in person and then evaluated by a neurologist.
Results: The ratio of PTs who knew of a drug therapy that reduced migraine attacks was 10.2%. Most PTs (85.2%) had no training in migraine treatment and obtained knowledge from their work experience. Ninety-one participants (28.1%) recommended medication to patients who visited the pharmacy due to headaches. When asked about the drug they recommend for migraines, 29.6% suggested ergotamine, 26.9% suggested analgesics, and 15.7% suggested triptans.
Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that PTs working in pharmacies that support primary care services might not have sufficient awareness and knowledge about migraine treatments, and appropriate training should be provided on this subject.
The Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine at Erciyes University approved the study (approval no: 2016/198).
Written consent was obtained.
Externally peer-reviewed.
Surgical and Medical Practices: R.B., D.K.G., Ş.B., M.G., M.F.Y., E.B., Concept: R.B., D.K.G., Ş.B., M.G., M.F.Y., E.B., Design: R.B., D.K.G., Ş.B., M.G., M.F.Y., E.B., Data Collection or Processing: R.B., D.K.G., Ş.B., M.G., M.F.Y., E.B., Analysis or Interpretation: R.B., D.K.G., Ş.B., M.G., M.F.Y., E.B., Literature Search: R.B., D.K.G., Ş.B., M.G., M.F.Y., E.B., Writing: R.B., D.K.G., Ş.B., M.G., M.F.Y., E.B.
No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.
The authors declared that this study received no financial support.