Evaluation of Pharmacist Competencies in Non-Communicable Disease Management at Secondary Hospitals in Abia State, South East Nigeria

Non-communicable diseases including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and chronic kidney disease account for a growing proportion of hospital presentations in Nigeria. Pharmacists in secondary care settings must possess competencies in medication review, patient education, and multidisciplinary collaboration specific to chronic non-communicable disease management. This study evaluated pharmacist competencies in non-communicable disease management at secondary hospitals in Abia State, South East Nigeria. A competency-based assessment approach was used, combining a structured knowledge test on non-communicable disease pharmacotherapy, observed clinical encounters, and peer-reviewed competency ratings across 45 pharmacists working at seven hospitals. The assessment covered disease pathophysiology, drug selection, monitoring parameters, patient counseling, and goal-setting in chronic disease management. Overall competency was rated as proficient in only 41 percent of participants. Knowledge of monitoring parameters for antidiabetic and antihypertensive medications was particularly weak, at 35 percent. Observed clinical encounter ratings showed limited use of structured counseling frameworks and patient-centered communication. Training background in clinical pharmacy and years of hospital experience were the strongest predictors of competency. The study recommends mandatory non-communicable disease pharmacotherapy training as part of hospital pharmacist orientation in Abia State and encourages mentored clinical attachments at high-performing facilities. Structured competency-based advancement frameworks for hospital pharmacists should be adopted by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria. Keywords: non-communicable disease, pharmacist competency, secondary hospitals, Abia State, chronic disease management