Assessment of The Level of Knowledge About Migraines and Medication Among Pharmacy Technicians

Objective: A limited number of studies focus on pharmacy technicians (PTs) knowledge level regarding migraines. The present study aimed to determine their awareness and knowledge levels regarding migraines and migraine treatment.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in XXX University Faculty of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey. It was conducted from February 2019 - 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 treatment of attacks were administered to the PTs in person. Then, a neurologist evaluated the forms.
Results: The ratio of PTs who knew of 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%) said they recommended medication to patients who came to the pharmacy because of a headache. When asked about the drug they recommend for migraines, 29.6% suggested ergotamine, 26.9% analgesics, and 15.7% triptans.
Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that PTs working in pharmacies that support primary care services do not have sufficient migraine awareness and knowledge about migraine treatment and that appropriate training should be given on this subject.