Knowledge of statin therapy and monitoring parameters, and the challenges to implementing guidelines in clinical practice among physicians and pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Statins have shown great promise in both primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate Saudi Arabian physicians’ and pharmacists’ understanding of statin therapy. This observational cross-sectional study surveyed physicians and pharmacists actively practicing in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering statin therapy knowledge, awareness of monitoring parameters, and perceived barriers to guideline implementation. A total of 272 participants were included, physicians represented 58.5% and pharmacists 41.5% of respondents. Participants who read guidelines scored significantly higher than those who did not (median = 13 vs.7; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, not reading guidelines was the only independent predictor of lower statin therapy knowledge (RR = 0.55, p < 0.001). For statin monitoring knowledge, neither sex nor specialty showed a significant impact, but reading guidelines was associated with higher scores (median = 7 vs. 6; p < 0.001), with multivariate analysis identifying guideline non-reading as the only significant predictor of lower knowledge (RR = 0.86, p = 0.002). Gaps remain in healthcare providers’ knowledge of statin therapy and monitoring parameters in Saudi Arabia. Familiarity with clinical guidelines significantly influences knowledge levels.