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Objective <p>To evaluate public awareness, attitudes, and willingness regarding mental health screenings in community pharmacies and to assess perspectives of community pharmacists to provide such services.</p> Methods <p>A mixed-method study was conducted in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire assessed awareness and attitudes towards mental health screening by community pharmacists among the public. Individuals without a prior diagnosis of a mental disorder completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess probable depressive symptoms. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. In the qualitative phase, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with community pharmacists and analysed using thematic analysis.</p> Results <p>A total of 424 individuals took part in quantitative phase of the study, out of which 385 were screened for depression. Most participants (n = 252; 66.7%) demonstrated good knowledge, and overall attitudes toward mental health and pharmacist involvement were generally positive. The mean PHQ-9 score among screened individuals was 6.52 ± 4.92, with 44.4% indicating minimal depressive symptoms and 1.0% indicating severe symptoms. During the qualitative phase, 14 pharmacists were interviewed. Qualitative analysis identified 4 key themes related to pharmacists’ familiarity with mental health, perceived professional role, existing barriers, and potential enablers. Pharmacists expressed willingness to provide mental health screening services; however, stigma, limited training, lack of privacy, and insufficient policy support were identified as barriers.</p> Conclusions <p>The findings suggest that public awareness and acceptance of pharmacist-led mental health screening are generally favourable. Community pharmacists are willing to provide mental health services and screening. Addressing training needs, structural limitations, and regulatory support may facilitate the integration of mental health screening services within community pharmacy settings.</p>

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A mixed method study evaluating the perspective of public and community pharmacist regarding pharmacy-based mental health screening services in Pakistan

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月3日

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  • Zainub Khan,
  • Jamshaid Akbar,
  • Imran Masood,
  • Atif Usman,
  • Muhammad Qamar-uz-Zaman,
  • Abu Bakar Munir,
  • Muhammad Yousif

摘要

Objective

To evaluate public awareness, attitudes, and willingness regarding mental health screenings in community pharmacies and to assess perspectives of community pharmacists to provide such services.

Methods

A mixed-method study was conducted in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire assessed awareness and attitudes towards mental health screening by community pharmacists among the public. Individuals without a prior diagnosis of a mental disorder completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess probable depressive symptoms. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. In the qualitative phase, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with community pharmacists and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 424 individuals took part in quantitative phase of the study, out of which 385 were screened for depression. Most participants (n = 252; 66.7%) demonstrated good knowledge, and overall attitudes toward mental health and pharmacist involvement were generally positive. The mean PHQ-9 score among screened individuals was 6.52 ± 4.92, with 44.4% indicating minimal depressive symptoms and 1.0% indicating severe symptoms. During the qualitative phase, 14 pharmacists were interviewed. Qualitative analysis identified 4 key themes related to pharmacists’ familiarity with mental health, perceived professional role, existing barriers, and potential enablers. Pharmacists expressed willingness to provide mental health screening services; however, stigma, limited training, lack of privacy, and insufficient policy support were identified as barriers.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that public awareness and acceptance of pharmacist-led mental health screening are generally favourable. Community pharmacists are willing to provide mental health services and screening. Addressing training needs, structural limitations, and regulatory support may facilitate the integration of mental health screening services within community pharmacy settings.