Latvian Healthcare Professionals’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Pregnancy Prevention Program Materials for Valproate-Containing Medicines
Background: Valproates are recognized for their significant teratogenic risks, which can lead to physical defects and developmental disorders when used during pregnancy. To mitigate these risks, the Pregnancy Prevention Program (PPP) was developed by European regulators for patients and healthcare p...
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MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| author | Milana Špoģe Mirdza Kursīte Elita Poplavska |
| author_facet | Milana Špoģe Mirdza Kursīte Elita Poplavska |
| author_sort | Milana Špoģe |
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| description | Background: Valproates are recognized for their significant teratogenic risks, which can lead to physical defects and developmental disorders when used during pregnancy. To mitigate these risks, the Pregnancy Prevention Program (PPP) was developed by European regulators for patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Despite the crucial nature of this program, the implementation of the PPP does not appear to be fully effective. This situation highlights the need for a deeper understanding of HCPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the PPP. Methods: A cross-sectional study using anonymous electronic questionnaires was conducted. The questionnaires were developed by a board of experts from eight different EU countries and were distributed among prescribers (general practitioners (GPs), neurologists, and psychiatrists) and pharmacists. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the obtained data on participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the prescribing and dispensing of valproate-containing medicines to women of reproductive age, as well as the impact of PPP materials on their work. Results: The study results indicate that while HCPs in Latvia are generally aware of valproate teratogenic risks, significant gaps remain in the implementation of the PPP. A considerable number of both prescribers and pharmacists expressed the belief that they are not responsible for educating patients about the PPP, attributing this responsibility to other specialists. Furthermore, barriers such as a lack of time and accessible materials were identified. Conclusions: The roles and responsibilities of HCPs should be clearly defined to improve adherence to the PPP. Further research is needed to assess prescription and dispensing strategies, as well as HCPs’ attitudes toward the PPP. Additionally, re-evaluating and enhancing the accessibility of PPP materials is essential in effective risk management and better patient care. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1aab9dd9a3684c1cba8e3a883fe752c9 |
| institution | Kabale University |
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| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
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| series | Pharmacy |
| spelling | doaj-art-1aab9dd9a3684c1cba8e3a883fe752c92024-12-27T14:46:52ZengMDPI AGPharmacy2226-47872024-12-0112618210.3390/pharmacy12060182Latvian Healthcare Professionals’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Pregnancy Prevention Program Materials for Valproate-Containing MedicinesMilana Špoģe0Mirdza Kursīte1Elita Poplavska2Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, LatviaInstitute of Public Health, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1010 Riga, LatviaDepartment of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia and Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1010 Riga, LatviaBackground: Valproates are recognized for their significant teratogenic risks, which can lead to physical defects and developmental disorders when used during pregnancy. To mitigate these risks, the Pregnancy Prevention Program (PPP) was developed by European regulators for patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Despite the crucial nature of this program, the implementation of the PPP does not appear to be fully effective. This situation highlights the need for a deeper understanding of HCPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the PPP. Methods: A cross-sectional study using anonymous electronic questionnaires was conducted. The questionnaires were developed by a board of experts from eight different EU countries and were distributed among prescribers (general practitioners (GPs), neurologists, and psychiatrists) and pharmacists. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the obtained data on participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the prescribing and dispensing of valproate-containing medicines to women of reproductive age, as well as the impact of PPP materials on their work. Results: The study results indicate that while HCPs in Latvia are generally aware of valproate teratogenic risks, significant gaps remain in the implementation of the PPP. A considerable number of both prescribers and pharmacists expressed the belief that they are not responsible for educating patients about the PPP, attributing this responsibility to other specialists. Furthermore, barriers such as a lack of time and accessible materials were identified. Conclusions: The roles and responsibilities of HCPs should be clearly defined to improve adherence to the PPP. Further research is needed to assess prescription and dispensing strategies, as well as HCPs’ attitudes toward the PPP. Additionally, re-evaluating and enhancing the accessibility of PPP materials is essential in effective risk management and better patient care.https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/12/6/182valproatesPregnancy Prevention Programhealthcare professionalssurvey |
| spellingShingle | Milana Špoģe Mirdza Kursīte Elita Poplavska Latvian Healthcare Professionals’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Pregnancy Prevention Program Materials for Valproate-Containing Medicines Pharmacy valproates Pregnancy Prevention Program healthcare professionals survey |
| title | Latvian Healthcare Professionals’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Pregnancy Prevention Program Materials for Valproate-Containing Medicines |
| title_full | Latvian Healthcare Professionals’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Pregnancy Prevention Program Materials for Valproate-Containing Medicines |
| title_fullStr | Latvian Healthcare Professionals’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Pregnancy Prevention Program Materials for Valproate-Containing Medicines |
| title_full_unstemmed | Latvian Healthcare Professionals’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Pregnancy Prevention Program Materials for Valproate-Containing Medicines |
| title_short | Latvian Healthcare Professionals’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Pregnancy Prevention Program Materials for Valproate-Containing Medicines |
| title_sort | latvian healthcare professionals self reported knowledge attitudes and behaviors related to pregnancy prevention program materials for valproate containing medicines |
| topic | valproates Pregnancy Prevention Program healthcare professionals survey |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/12/6/182 |
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