Assessment of Filipino Immunizing Pharmacist Engagement amidst COVID-19 Pandemic using Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Model

Reeka Mae Barade Villaluz ¹, *, Yasmin Digan Abdel Khaleq ¹, Aila Marie Manlosa Gula ¹, Maria Leonor Suazo Urriquia ¹, Marcella Alexandra Kipping Antivola ¹, Vince Patrick Dimalig Ruado ¹, Rayne Christelle Romero Magcalas ¹, Monina Ann Banaira Gayapa ¹, Danah Angela Dela Cruz Cariño ¹, Cecilia Diaz Santiago ¹, ² and Mylene Sevilla Andal ¹

1 School of Pharmacy, Centro Escolar University-Manila, 9 Mendiola St, San Miguel, Manila 1008, Metro Manila, Philippines.
2 The Graduate School, Centro Escolar University-Manila, 9 Mendiola St, San Miguel, Manila 1008, Metro Manila, Philippines.
 
Research Article
GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2022, 20(01), 032–043.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2022.20.1.0264
Publication history: 
Received on 29 May 2022; revised on 30 June 2022; accepted on 02 July 2022
 
Abstract: 
The immunization practice of pharmacists has only been recently approved in the Philippines; thus, it is imperative to assess their engagement using the Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices (KAP) model. A descriptive quantitative-correlational study that utilized a convenience sampling technique was conducted with 90 respondents. A 49-item self-made questionnaire was employed through Google forms. The data collected was subjected to various statistical treatments for descriptive and correlational analysis. Results showed that respondents have a high level of knowledge regarding the prevention of Adverse Events Following Immunization (3.81), and critical thinking and decision-making upon its occurrence (3.92). The respondents' attitudes also showed high levels of agreement toward the promotion of immunization (3.89) and patient counseling (3.97). Moreover, the majority of the respondents administered vaccines (87.78%) and COVID-19 was the vaccine given the most (77.78%). Their responses showed a high level of practice in the immunization process (3.95), documentation and record-keeping (3.80), and addressing misconceptions (3.94). Most of their sociodemographic profiles do not have a significant relationship with their KAP except for the area of practice that had a correlation to knowledge. Thus, this study proves that Filipino immunizing pharmacists have a high level of engagement amidst the pandemic and continuous training and certification are needed to further strengthen this, especially during public health emergencies.
 
Keywords: 
Assessment; Filipino Immunizing Pharmacist; Engagement; COVID-19; KAP Model
 
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