Assessment of Knowledge on Probiotics among State Pharmacists in Northern Province, Sri Lanka

Introduction: Among nutraceuticals, probiotics, and prebiotics are highly recommended for various diseases. As they are newly introduced into the pharmaceutical world, patients may have difficulties finding reliable information on them. So, knowledge of healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, on probiotics and prebiotics may help the patients receive scientific evidence-based advice rather than obtaining it from unreliable sources.Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of probiotics and prebiotics among state pharmacists in Northern Province, Sri Lanka.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all state pharmacists (N=114) in Northern Province, Sri Lanka by using a structured validated self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using the SPSS and the bivariate analysis was done by using the chi-square test and Fisher exact test.Results: The response rate was 92.9%. Among the participants in this study, only 51.9% had adequate knowledge of prebiotics, and 53.8% had adequate knowledge of probiotics. Conclusion: So, nearly half of the population have inadequate knowledge on probiotics and prebiotics. Introducing more education and training about probiotics and prebiotics could improve the knowledge.