Abstract
The current study aims to assess the community pharmacist's skills to make correct use of metered dose inhalers (MDIs). Seventy-four pharmacists were approached using six clusters from the most populous areas of Alahsa, Eastern region Saudi Arabia. Of whom n = 71, responses were taken in consideration to perform the statistical analysis. Scoring of pharmacist demonstration was done using a nine-step checklist for the appropriate use of inhaler. A simulated patient approach was used to assess pharmacist's skill. Majority, 98.6% of the pharmacists were Egyptian nationals with a mean age of 38.74 ± SD 4.52. Overall, pharmacists were found to have a poor recognition (mean score = 4.2 ± SD 2.08) with the steps considered while using an inhaler. However, significantly better knowledge differences were observed among the pharmacists aged 30-35 years (5.52 ± 2.14, t = 2.851, p = 0.009(∗)). In addition, job experience (3-4 years) was found significantly (p = 0.003(∗)) associated with a better knowledge toward the appropriate use of inhaler. It was seen that the young pharmacists working on chain pharmacies have comparatively better knowledge than the other groups.