Continuing Professional Development Participation and Its Influence on Pharmacist Competence in Cross River State, South South Nigeria

Background: Continuing professional development (CPD) is central to maintaining pharmacist competence in a rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape. In Nigeria, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria mandates CPD participation for licence renewal, yet compliance and impact remain poorly evaluated. This study assessed CPD participation patterns and their influence on competence levels among pharmacists in Cross River State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 registered pharmacists in Cross River State. A structured questionnaire assessed CPD activity types, frequency, perceived relevance, and competence self-assessment across five professional domains. Competence was further objectively assessed through a 30-item pharmacological knowledge test. Results: Regular CPD participation (defined as at least six hours per quarter) was reported by 52 percent of respondents. Conferences and workshop attendance were the most common CPD formats. Pharmacists with consistent CPD participation scored significantly higher on the objective knowledge test (mean score 71% vs. 54%, p less than 0.001). Online CPD resources were underutilised despite high smartphone ownership. Conclusion: CPD participation positively influences pharmacist competence in Cross River State, but participation frequency and format diversity require improvement. Digital CPD platforms tailored to Nigerian contexts should be developed and promoted. Keywords: continuing professional development, pharmacist competence, Cross River, CPD, pharmacy education