Pharmacists, knowledge and counseling practices regarding tirzepatide for obesity and type 2 diabetes management in the UAE

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Objective: To assess UAE pharmacists’ knowledge and counseling practices regarding tirzepatide for obesity and type 2 diabetes, and to identify barriers to dispensing and factors associated with better counseling.Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey (March–June 2024) of licensed community and hospital pharmacists across the UAE used a structured questionnaire covering demographics, a 54-item knowledge scale, a 15-item counseling frequency scale, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics summarized responses. Quantile regression examined associations of pharmacist characteristics and knowledge with counseling practices.Results: Of 405 respondents, 386 were analyzed. Most expressed willingness to engage in obesity management (95.1%). Mean knowledge score was 27.78/54, indicating overall insufficiency. Gaps included mechanism of action (49% incorrect/unknown), dosing and titration, renal/hepatic adjustments, dosage form, and recognition of adverse effects and contraindications. Median counseling score was 33/45 (IQR 25– 42); frequently omitted topics included missed-dose management (54.7%), schedule modifications (53.9%), treatment duration (51.6%), hypoglycemia risk (51.0%), and expected outcomes (50.8%). Key barriers were medication cost (78%), limited patient knowledge (73.6%), and drug shortages (68.4%), with additional concerns about injections and perceived efficacy/necessity. In regression, higher knowledge was associated with better counseling (β=0.492; 95% CI 0.291–0.693; p<0.001), as was working in chain pharmacies (β=5.183; 95% CI 1.650–8.716; p=0.004). Serving 31–60 patients/day predicted higher knowledge versus >60/day (β=2.593; 95% CI 0.672–4.514; p=0.008). Reluctance to engage in obesity care predicted lower knowledge (β=−4.148; 95% CI −7.703 to −0.593; p=0.022).Conclusions: UAE pharmacists showed strong willingness but suboptimal knowledge and counseling about tirzepatide. Targeted education, practical counseling tools, and system support (availability, affordability) are needed to optimize pharmacist-led care.

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