Point of care testing and health parameter assessment in community pharmacy setting

Abstract

Objectives: Health screening is essential for early detection and prompt management of diseases, particularly chronic conditions. The study assessed and classified participants’ health parameters according to standard classifications. Associations between participants’ socio-demographics and observed health parameters were also assessed. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 400 adults was performed in a community pharmacy in Nigeria, using a pretested questionnaire. Health parameters were measured and analyzed descriptively with SPSS version 24. Chi-square tests and Pearson’s correlation analysis were also performed (P < 0.05). Results: A 100% response rate was recorded in the study. Mean temporal temperature (TT) and respiratory rate (RR)/minute were 36.627°C ± 0.3143 and 18.20 ± 3.261, respectively. Almost half, (195; 48.8%) were 20–39-years-old. Almost all (399/400; 99.8%) had normal TT, normal RR (347/400; 86.8%), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (326/400; 81.5%), and about a third had pains (156/400; 39.0%). Age was significantly associated with RR (P = 0.008) and FBG (P = 0.002). Gender and educational levels were significantly associated with RR (P = 0.003) and FBG (P = 0.001), respectively. A weak negative correlation (r = −0.018; P = 0713) between participants’ FBG and TT was observed. FBG was negatively correlated with pain level (r = −0.091; P = 0.068), while pain level was negatively correlated with TT (r = −0.010; P = 0.832). Relationship between TT and RR showed weak positive correlation (r = 0.023; P = 0.637). Conclusion: Health parameters were mostly normal, but selectively associated with socio-demographics. The study shows the role of community pharmacists in routine point of care testings, and findings suggest a focus of healthcare on the correlation of age, gender and educational level with FBG and RR.