A Comparative Study of Knowledge Toward Ulcerative ‎Colitis among Physicians and Pharmacists in Zawia, ‎Western Libya

Einass R. Ibrahiem; Ebtesam A. Beshna; Wafa M. Alshaiby; Mabrouka A. Ishrayhah; Fayrouz Abualasad

doi:10.26629‎/uzjms.2026.02‎

Authors

Einass R. Ibrahiem Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya.‎ https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9072-4410
Ebtesam A. Beshna Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, ‎Zawia, Libya.‎
Wafa M. Alshaiby Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya.‎ https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2174-3304
Mabrouka A. Ishrayhah Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya.‎
Fayrouz Abualasad Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya.‎ https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6781-6506

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26629‎/uzjms.2026.02‎

Keywords:

Ulcerative Colitis, Knowledge, Healthcare Professionals, Libya, Aminosalicylates (5-ASA).‎

Abstract

Background: A chronic inflammatory bowel illness, ulcerative colitis (UC) is becoming more common worldwide, particularly in developing nations like Libya. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for effective management, but little is known about the expertise and methods of Libyan healthcare professionals (HCPs). Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and pharmacological knowledge, of Western Libyan doctors and pharmacists with relation to the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and related pharmaceutical problems, such as vitamin B9 (folate) deficiency.

Materials and Methods: Between September and October of 2024, 253 HCPs (124 pharmacists and 129 physicians) in Western Libya participated in a comparative cross-sectional study. A validated 26-item questionnaire encompassing demographics, treatment complications, and basic UC knowledge was used to gather data. SPSS version 27 was used for statistical analysis, and the Z proportion test was used to evaluate the two groups' levels of knowledge.

Results: The nature of UC (88.3% vs. 76.5%, P=0.016), common symptoms (89.1% vs. 73.9%, P=0.004), and aetiology (66.7% vs. 47.8%, P=0.003) were among the fundamental topics in which doctors showed noticeably greater understanding. On the other hand, while both groups showed inadequate knowledge, pharmacists performed relatively better than physicians in recognising vitamin B9 insufficiency as a result of sulfasalazine therapy (30.4% vs. 15.8%, P=0.007). Nevertheless, 69.6% of pharmacists remained unaware of this critical drug-nutrient interaction. The baseline knowledge of both groups of the general mechanism of action of aminosalicylates was similar.

Conclusions: Significant knowledge disparities exist between physicians and pharmacists in Libya, reflecting their specialized professional focuses. While physicians excel in clinical diagnosis, pharmacists demonstrate greater expertise in pharmacovigilance. These results underscore the need for targeted educational interventions and a collaborative care model to bridge knowledge gaps and optimize holistic management for UC patients in the region.