Empirical Assessment of Pharmacogenomics Knowledge and Implementation Readiness Among Clinical Pharmacists in Nigeria

Pharmacogenomics represents a transformative approach to personalised drug therapy, but its clinical integration in Nigeria is impeded by inadequate pharmacist knowledge and implementation readiness. This study empirically assessed pharmacogenomics knowledge, attitudes, and implementation readiness among clinical pharmacists across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A national cross-sectional survey using a validated pharmacogenomics knowledge and readiness assessment instrument was administered to 280 hospital and clinical pharmacists recruited through the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN). Knowledge domains covered pharmacogenomics principles, clinical pharmacogenomics applications (warfarin, clopidogrel, antidepressants), and interpretation of pharmacogenomic test reports. Readiness dimensions included training needs, institutional support, infrastructure, and personal confidence. Results showed that pharmacogenomics knowledge was adequate in only 27.5 percent of respondents, with the lowest knowledge levels in pharmacogenomics test result interpretation (22.1 percent). Attitudes were generally positive, with 87.1 percent supporting pharmacogenomics integration into clinical practice. However, training need was identified by 94.6 percent of respondents. Infrastructure readiness was rated as insufficient in 91.8 percent. Pharmacists in North West and North East zones had significantly lower knowledge scores than those in South West and South East zones (p < 0.001). The study constitutes the first national empirical assessment of pharmacogenomics readiness among Nigerian clinical pharmacists, identifying critical knowledge and infrastructure gaps and providing a foundation for national pharmacogenomics workforce development planning. Keywords: pharmacogenomics, clinical pharmacists, implementation readiness, Nigeria, personalised medicine