Knowledge, Attitude, Perception, and Practice on the Management of Common Menstrual Problems Among Community Pharmacists

Background: Menstrual health issues are prevalent among Malaysian women and significantly impact their quality of life.However, societal taboos often hinder effective management.As accessible healthcare professionals, community pharmacists as well positioned to address these challenges.Despite this, their readiness and level of preparedness remain underexplored. Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Malacca, Malaysia, from February to April 2025 using a self-administered questionnaire.Respondents were registered community pharmacists selected from a list of Type A license holders in the city.Results: Among the 132 respondents, 97% (n=128) demonstrated good knowledge of menstrual health management, while 93.9% (n=124) expressed positive attitudes.However, 72.7% (n=96) reported negative perceptions, particularly doubts regarding the effectiveness of current management approaches.Irregular menstrual patterns were the most common reason for physician referrals (18.9%).Knowledge was marginally associated with pharmacy ownership status (p =0.054).Positive attitudes were significantly linked to prior course attendance (p=0.048),mid-career experience (5-15 years; p<0.001), and younger age (p=0.014).More preferable perceptions were associated with holding a permanent pharmacist position (p=0.042). Conclusion:Community pharmacists in Malacca exhibit strong foundational knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward menstrual health management.However, persistent gaps in perception and limited practical engagement indicate the need for targeted interventions to strengthen their role in this area.