Knowledge and practice of community pharmacists in identifying and managing dry eye disease in Klang Valley of Malaysia. A cross-sectional study

Background: Inadequately managed dry eye disease (DED) causes complications and poor quality of life. Studies exploring the role of community pharmacists (CP) in identifying and managing DED are scarce. We aimed to determine the level of DED knowledge and practice among CPs and their associated factors in Malaysia’s rapidly developing Klang Valley area. Methods: An online self-administered survey on DED knowledge and practice was conducted from April to June 2023. CPs practising in 10 urban, suburban, and rural districts of Klang Valley were recruited using stratified sampling. Univariate analysis was conducted using the independent T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis H test with Dunn-Bonferroni tests, and multivariate analysis by general linear regression. Results: Of the 360 CPs who responded, the majority (87.2%) had an intermediate level of DED knowledge (score 40% to 74%), and 2.5% had a high level of knowledge (score ≥ 75%). Pharmacists with higher academic degrees (P < 0.001) and working in chain pharmacies (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with good DED knowledge. The DED practices of CPs were moderate, with 73.9% scoring 40% to 74%, and 6.9% scoring 75% or above. Younger pharmacists (P < 0.001) with higher academic degrees (P < 0.05) reported comparatively better DED practices. Conclusions: Suboptimal DED knowledge and practices among CPs indicate the need for capacity-building programs to disseminate consistent and updated information on DED management. A collaborative practice platform should also be established to engage CPs in case-based learning and to co-manage DED patients with ophthalmologists.