Patterns of Antiviral Drug Use and Resistance Awareness Among Clinical Pharmacists in Abuja FCT

Antiviral drugs including antiretrovirals, antiherpes agents, and antiinfluenza compounds are increasingly prescribed in Nigerian hospital settings, yet concerns about subtherapeutic dosing and emerging resistance are poorly documented among dispensing pharmacists. This study assesses antiviral drug use patterns and awareness of antiviral resistance among clinical pharmacists in tertiary hospitals in the FCT, Abuja. A cross-sectional descriptive survey will recruit 200 pharmacists from three major hospitals: National Hospital Abuja, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, and Garki General Hospital. A validated, self-administered questionnaire will assess knowledge of antiviral drug classes, mechanisms of resistance, clinical scenarios for antiviral prescription, and practices for monitoring treatment adherence. Knowledge scores will be correlated with years of experience, postgraduate training, and access to continuing professional development. Published literature indicates that antiviral resistance awareness is a neglected component of pharmacist training in sub-Saharan African pharmacy schools. Findings will identify specific antiviral knowledge gaps among FCT pharmacists and provide evidence for the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to incorporate antiviral stewardship modules into continuing pharmacy education programmes. This study contributes to strengthening clinical pharmacy practice in Nigeria's capital territory and supports the broader goal of combating antimicrobial resistance through informed prescription and dispensing of antiviral agents. Keywords: antiviral drugs, resistance awareness, clinical pharmacists, Abuja, antiviral stewardship