Home diagnostic tests in the state of Qatar: a snapshot of public views, level of awareness and use.
BACKGROUND
In Qatar, home diagnostic tests are available over the counter in community pharmacies. While possibly beneficial, these tests have the potential for harm if they are used in the absence of pharmacist counseling.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the public views, level of awareness and use of home diagnostic tests and to evaluate the extent of community pharmacists' involvement in educating the public about these tests in Qatar.


METHODS
Qatar's Supreme Council of Health lists 245 community pharmacies in Qatar. Ten community pharmacies were randomly selected from the list as study sites.


METHODS
The investigators visited selected pharmacies on different weekdays and at different times of the day. Members of the public who appeared to be over 16 years of age and able to communicate in English or Arabic were randomly approached, provided with the study objectives, and requested to participate. Those who offered oral consent were anonymously interviewed using a multipart survey.


METHODS
Measures include the public awareness and use of home diagnostic tests and the extent of community pharmacist involvement in educating the public about these tests.


RESULTS
During the 5-month study period, 297 patients answered the survey (60 % response rate). Most respondents were aware of at least one home diagnostic test (98 %). The top four home diagnostic tests that the respondents had ever heard of included: thermometers (91 %), blood pressure monitors (91 %), blood sugar tests (86 %) and regular pregnancy tests (72 %). Seventy-one percent of respondents had performed at least one home diagnostic test. When asked about the factors that influenced their choice of the home diagnostic tests, the pharmacist was only cited by 7 % of respondents. The majority of respondents (>80 %) agreed that using a home diagnostic test is convenient, comfortable and helps them in early diagnosis and treatment of healthcare conditions. Only 31 % agreed that the pharmacist offered sufficient information on what to do in case the test result turns to be positive. The study results suggest that generally, the public has good attitudes and awareness of home diagnostic tests. However, the results indicate that Qatar community pharmacists are not sufficiently involved in public education about home diagnostic tests. Pharmacists should take a more active role in counseling the public on the proper use of these tests.
College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar. maguyh@qu.edu.qa
Maguy Saffouh
MS
El Hajj
Reem Hasan
RH
El-Ajez
Muna Said Mohd
MS
Al-Ismail
Diaa Mujahed
DM
Sawaftah
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001364:Awareness; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D015924:Blood Pressure Monitors; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010595:Pharmacists; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011258:Pregnancy Tests; D024382:Professional Role; D011639:Public Opinion; D011780:Qatar; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D013821:Thermometers; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic