Community pharmacists’ awareness, attitudes, and confidence regarding opioid abuse and naloxone use in Kosova: A cross-sectional survey

Background : Evidence on community pharmacy professionals’ involvement and preparedness to address opioid misuse and related harm in Kosova remains limited. This study assessed their awareness, attitudes, and self-reported confidence regarding opioid abuse and naloxone use. Methods : A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 460 community pharmacy professionals across Kosova using a structured online questionnaire. Results : Participants reported high levels of self-reported awareness and generally positive attitudes toward addressing opioid-related problems. Most respondents (93.5%) reported understanding the difference between opioid abuse and misuse, while 75.1% were willing to provide counseling. Familiarity with naloxone was reported by 81.5%, although 43.8% did not feel confident administering it. Confidence in naloxone administration was significantly associated with work experience ( p = 0.017). Conclusion : Despite positive attitudes and reported awareness, confidence in naloxone administration was lower, indicating a gap in self-reported preparedness. Practical training and clearer professional and regulatory guidance may help address this gap.