Pharmacist role in Tackling Internet-Misinformed Patients of Pharmaceutical and cosmetics valued preparations; a cross sectional study in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2025

Abstract Background In Ethiopia, patients increasingly rely on the internet for pharmaceutical and cosmetic information, often encountering misinformation that leads to unsafe medication use and cosmetic risks. This misinformation, spread via social media and blogs, can cause serious health harm. Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted at all registered community pharmacies in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia. The prepared semi-structured questionnaires were forwarded to pharmacists engaged in the community pharmacies in the form of self-administered questionnaire after verbal consent. Result Out of the 191 surveyed pharmacists, 85% reported frequently encountering internet-misinformed patients about pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. 78% expressed confidence in correcting misinformation, yet only 62% reported doing so consistently. The primary correction method was verbal explanation (70%), while 30% used printed or digital materials. Key barriers identified were time constraints (65%), lack of official guidelines (58%), and insufficient access to updated resources (54%). Despite these challenges, 82% of pharmacists believed that patients trust their advice more than internet sources, and 75% supported inter-professional collaboration to tackle misinformation Conclusion This study shows pharmacists effectively combat online health misinformation but face resource limits. Strengthening their educational role and collaboration is crucial to protect public health.