Knowledge of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Characteristics, Signs, Symptoms, and Appropriate Treatment Among Portuguese Pharmacy Professionals.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common cause of vaginitis. Over-the-counter drugs are usually dispensed by pharmacy professionals to treat this condition without prior medical consultation. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge of Portuguese pharmacy professionals regarding VVC.

METHODS

An online questionnaire including questions about the symptoms and treatment of VVC was distributed between March and April of 2024.

RESULTS

A total of 376 professionals participated in this study. There was a significantly lower proportion of men (p = 0.007) and pharmacy technicians (p = 0.005) who correctly identified the main causative agent of VVC when compared to women and pharmacists. Only 30% of women correctly identified the number of VVC episodes in the same year they classified as complicated, but this was significantly higher (p = 0.038) than the proportion of men who identified complicated VVC (20%). Topical clotrimazole preparations were the more frequently identified medicines for the treatment of uncomplicated VVC, and fluconazole-containing medicines were the preferred choice for the treatment of complicated VVC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the need to improve education and training for pharmacy professionals. By addressing these knowledge gaps, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can provide more accurate and effective advice to patients.