Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists Regarding Hyperlipidemia Management in Tripoli, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is a prevalent chronic disorder that often requires long-term lipid-lowering therapy and continuous clinical monitoring. Pharmacists are well positioned to support safe and effective treatment through patient education, medication monitoring, and adherence support. This study was conducted to assess pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding hyperlipidemia management and evaluate their role in managing the condition across hospital, government, and private pharmacies in Tripoli, Libya. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed based on the relevant literature and reviewed by two academic supervisors for clarity and relevance. A total of 157 completed questionnaires from licensed pharmacists working in hospital, government, and private pharmacies in Tripoli were included in the final analysis. The findings indicated that 84.07% of pharmacists correctly recognized hyperlipidemia and 85.99% were familiar with the concepts of good and bad cholesterol. However, only 18.47% of pharmacists correctly identified recommendations for creatine kinase monitoring, and only 5.09% correctly identified ezetimibe as an appropriate combination therapy with a statin for patients with elevated LDL-C levels. Most pharmacists expressed a positive attitude toward their role in hyperlipidemia management and recognized the importance of patient counselling (83.43%). Regarding practice, 63.69% of pharmacists reported explaining lipid profiles to patients, whereas cholesterol screening was rarely provided (<3%). Patient-related barriers included medication costs, beliefs and attitudes, and health- related behaviors, while lack of effective communication skills was the most frequently reported pharmacist-related barrier (62.42%). Pharmacists demonstrated satisfactory overall knowledge of hyperlipidemia, but substantial gaps remained in pharmacotherapeutic knowledge, guideline-based management, monitoring, and patient-oriented pharmaceutical care. Differences were also observed across pharmacy practice settings. Structured continuing professional education, improved access to evidence-based resources, enhanced communication training, and greater adherence to standardized guidelines are needed to strengthen pharmacist’s contribution to hyperlipidemia management in Libya.