Social Attitudes Towards Public Health Interventions in Community Pharmacies in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND Tobacco use and obesity are major modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Community pharmacists can support preventive health through education, counseling, and adherence monitoring. To assess public attitudes towards pharmacy-based public health interventions in Poland and identify factors influencing willingness to use these services: smoking cessation support, brief lifestyle advice, brief vaccination-related advice, and support for adherence to lifestyle recommendations from physicians. MATERIAL AND METHODS A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1102 adults, representative of the population in terms of age, sex, and place of residence. Attitudes towards 5 pharmacy-based interventions were assessed using a structured, self-administered questionnaire designed to minimize social desirability bias. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify determinants of service acceptance. RESULTS The highest acceptance was observed for support for adherence to physician lifestyle recommendations (74.3%), vaccination advice (66.8%), and basic health measurements (57.7%). Lower acceptance was found for lifestyle counseling (40.9%) and smoking cessation support (53.1%), with 32.0% uncertain regarding the latter. Positive attitudes were associated with household economic status (good: aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.27-2.69; moderate: aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.07-2.33), living in households with ≥3 members (aOR 1.75-1.83), active employment (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.18-2.22), chronic disease (aOR 1.36-1.49), male gender (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.32-2.23), and e-cigarette/heated tobacco use (aOR 1.78-2.52). No sociodemographic factors predicted acceptance of basic health measures. CONCLUSIONS Polish adults are generally receptive to pharmacy-based preventive services, particularly in support of adherence and vaccination counseling. The lower acceptance of lifestyle counseling and smoking cessation highlights the need for targeted education and integration of pharmacists into preventive care pathways.
Source: Medical Science Monitor
DOI: 10.12659/msm.951732
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7127905615
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