author(s)
Ph. Saif Aldeen Alrefaey and Ridha Hasan Karam

abstract

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections encountered in community pharmacies. Pharmacists often serve as the first point of contact for women presenting with UTI symptoms, making their knowledge and practice critical for ensuring appropriate management and preventing antimicrobial resistance.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of community pharmacists in Iraq regarding the management of uncomplicated UTI.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacists across Iraq using an online structured questionnaire. The survey collected data on demographics, knowledge, red-flag identification, antibiotic selection, practice behaviours, and attitudes. A total of 81 pharmacists participated.

Results: Most respondents were female (59.3%), and the majority were younger than 25 years (59.3%). Nitrofurantoin was correctly selected as first-line therapy by 50.6% of pharmacists, while ciprofloxacin was the most commonly dispensed antibiotic in practice (56.8%). Knowledge of red-flag symptoms varied, with flank pain (59.3%) and persistent vomiting (37%) being most recognized. Most pharmacists routinely asked about pregnancy (86.4%), prior UTI history (91.4%), and antibiotic allergy (98.8%). A total of 81.5% supported implementing a standardized UTI management guideline for pharmacists.

Conclusion: Pharmacists in Iraq demonstrate acceptable knowledge regarding UTI management; however, gaps in antibiotic selection and red-flag recognition remain. Educational programs and national practice protocols are recommended.