Assesses knowledge and practices of cranberry extract in pharmacists, highlighting educational gaps.
American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is consumed as juice, fruit, or standardized supplements and is widely promoted for urinary tract health. Evidence suggests cranberry preparations may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), yet pharmacists' knowledge and counseling practices may vary. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding cranberry extract among registered pharmacists in Jordan. A self-administered online questionnaire, developed from the literature and assessed for face/content validity and internal consistency, was distributed to registered pharmacists in Jordan. Knowledge was assessed using 14 true/false/I do not know items, while attitudes and practices were assessed using Likert-type scales. Descriptive analyses were supplemented with bivariate testing, multivariable regression models, correlation analyses, and a comparison of participants who did and did not complete the practice section. A total of 409 responses were analyzed. Participants were predominantly aged < = 35 years (82.6%), resided in central Jordan (89.2%), and worked in community pharmacies (52.6%). Overall knowledge was moderate/neutral (mean 7.65 ± 3.07 out of 14), and 57.9% had low knowledge scores using Bloom's < 60% cut-off. Attitudes were neutral overall (mean 3.21 ± 0.41 out of 5). Among 268 participants who completed the practice section, the mean practice score was 3.14 ± 0.70 out of 5. In multivariable analysis, working in community pharmacy (β = 1.16, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.79; p < 0.001) and using research/books/university sources of information (β = 1.18, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.92; p = 0.002) independently predicted higher knowledge. Among practice-section respondents, higher knowledge (β = 0.05, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.08; p < 0.001) and more positive attitudes (β = 0.44, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.63; p < 0.001) independently predicted safer practice scores. Jordanian pharmacists recognized cranberry's role in UTI prevention, but clinically relevant gaps were identified regarding safety, interactions, dose limits, pregnancy/lactation uncertainty, and appropriate counselling. The inferential analyses suggest that evidence-based information sources and KAP interrelationships are important targets for continuing professional development. Findings should be interpreted cautiously because recruitment was online and the practice section was completed mainly by pharmacists for whom cranberry dispensing was applicable.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Al-Shdifat et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: