Assessment of knowledge of the new pregnancy and lactation labeling rule among pharmacists and physicians in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Researchers in Saudi Arabia conducted this study to determine the level of familiarity that pharmacists and physicians possess with the pregnancy and lactation labeling rules established by the Food and Drug Administration. The present study included a cross-sectional survey conducted among pharmacists and physicians working in Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined using the Rao sample size calculator. We utilized the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for our analysis. A total of 122 respondents completed the study. Among them, 72.9% were aged between 25 and 44 years, and approximately 63.9% were male. About 64% of the respondents indicated familiarity with the A, B, C, D, and X letter system of pregnancy category labeling. Over 37% stated that the new pregnancy and lactation labeling rule would continue to use the lettering system. Additionally, 83% believed that the A, B, C, D, and X risk category labeling system is a useful resource, and 82% believed that working with this risk category labeling improves patient care. The study revealed that pharmacists and physicians exhibited good knowledge of the old rule but a low level of knowledge regarding the new rule. Despite significant flaws in the old system, most preferred it. Enhancing knowledge in this area is crucial for improving risk communication and the quality of care for women of reproductive age.