Pharmacists’ and physicians’ knowledge and attitude regarding deprescribing in Saudi Arabia

Study Objectives : Our study objectives were to test pharmacists’ and physicians’ knowledge and attitude towards deprescribing in Saudi Arabia. Methods : A survey-based cross-sectional study was performed to answer our research question. We collected study data through a validated survey assessing deprescribing knowledge and attitude, including all pharmacists and physicians who care for older adults or have an interest in this patient population. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v27.0. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± SD, and categorical variables were reported as percentages and frequencies. Knowledge level (high vs. low–moderate) was compared across gender, experience quartile, academic degree, and professional role using χ² tests with Cramer’s V and a Bonferroni-corrected α = 0.0125, while attitude was modeled with a forced-entry multiple linear regression including knowledge, age, years of experience, and gender. Results : In total, 238 participants (pharmacists and physicians) completed the survey. The majority were male (65%) and had 4 years’ experience (53%). In addition, 31% worked in community pharmacy, 25% in hospital pharmacy, while physicians represented 31% of study participants. We found a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude towards deprescribing, and the majority of participants demonstrated moderately positive attitudes, aligning with the observed knowledge–attitude relationship. Conclusion : Our findings indicate that the majority of healthcare provider participants had a low to moderate level of knowledge about deprescribing.