A cross – section analysis of 3D printed drugs’ awareness and knowledge between pharmacy students and healthcare professionals: A case study of Albania

Enkelejda Goci; Altin Kulli

doi:10.12991/jrespharm.1889221

A cross – section analysis of 3D printed drugs’ awareness and knowledge between pharmacy students and healthcare professionals: A case study of Albania

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing represents a significant innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, enabling personalized dosage forms and on-demand drug production. Despite its growing global relevance, limited data exist regarding awareness of 3D printed medicines on individuals in health sector in emerging European countries. In this focus, our study aimed to assess and compare the level of knowledge and awareness regarding 3D printed medicines in Albania, taking in consideration the more interested and crucial pairs, such as pharmacy students and healthcare professionals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured online questionnaires with a total of 218 participants, respectively 141 students and 77 healthcare professionals. A composite knowledge score (ranging 0 to 1) was calculated by coding responses to key awareness questions. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-coefficients, effect size calculation, and logistic regression analysis were performed. The overall knowledge level was low in both groups. Pharmacy students demonstrated a mean knowledge score of 0.160 ± 0.128, while healthcare professionals had a mean score of 0.146 ± 0.068. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups (p = 0.272; Cohen’s d = 0.14). However, logistic regression (OR = 3.06, p < 0.001) and χ²-test (χ² = 23.7, p < 0.001) analysis indicated that healthcare professionals were more likely to demonstrate higher knowledge levels. No significant association was found between gender and knowledge level. Despite growing awareness of pharmaceutical 3D printing, structured educational exposure remains limited between students and professionals. These findings show strong interest in further training, highlighting the need for curricular integration and continuing professional development initiatives to support future implementation of such a technique in Albania.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Enkelejda Goci ^*
0000-0002-2603-1185
Albania

Altin Kulli This is me
0000-0002-2353-5812
Albania

Publication Date

October 6, 2026

Submission Date

March 16, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 28, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 30 Number: 5

DOI

https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1889221

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA67FT98NF

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Goci, E., & Kulli, A. (2026). A cross – section analysis of 3D printed drugs’ awareness and knowledge between pharmacy students and healthcare professionals: A case study of Albania. Journal of Research in Pharmacy, 30(5), 1368-1377. https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1889221

AMA

1.Goci E, Kulli A. A cross – section analysis of 3D printed drugs’ awareness and knowledge between pharmacy students and healthcare professionals: A case study of Albania. J. Res. Pharm. 2026;30(5):1368-1377. doi:10.12991/jrespharm.1889221

Chicago

Goci, Enkelejda, and Altin Kulli. 2026. “A Cross – Section Analysis of 3D Printed Drugs’ Awareness and Knowledge Between Pharmacy Students and Healthcare Professionals: A Case Study of Albania”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30 (5): 1368-77. https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1889221.

EndNote

Goci E, Kulli A (October 1, 2026) A cross – section analysis of 3D printed drugs’ awareness and knowledge between pharmacy students and healthcare professionals: A case study of Albania. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30 5 1368–1377.

IEEE

[1]E. Goci and A. Kulli, “A cross – section analysis of 3D printed drugs’ awareness and knowledge between pharmacy students and healthcare professionals: A case study of Albania”, J. Res. Pharm., vol. 30, no. 5, pp. 1368–1377, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.12991/jrespharm.1889221.

ISNAD

Goci, Enkelejda - Kulli, Altin. “A Cross – Section Analysis of 3D Printed Drugs’ Awareness and Knowledge Between Pharmacy Students and Healthcare Professionals: A Case Study of Albania”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30/5 (October 1, 2026): 1368-1377. https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1889221.

JAMA

1.Goci E, Kulli A. A cross – section analysis of 3D printed drugs’ awareness and knowledge between pharmacy students and healthcare professionals: A case study of Albania. J. Res. Pharm. 2026;30:1368–1377.

MLA

Goci, Enkelejda, and Altin Kulli. “A Cross – Section Analysis of 3D Printed Drugs’ Awareness and Knowledge Between Pharmacy Students and Healthcare Professionals: A Case Study of Albania”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy, vol. 30, no. 5, Oct. 2026, pp. 1368-77, doi:10.12991/jrespharm.1889221.

Vancouver

1.Enkelejda Goci, Altin Kulli. A cross – section analysis of 3D printed drugs’ awareness and knowledge between pharmacy students and healthcare professionals: A case study of Albania. J. Res. Pharm. 2026 Oct. 1;30(5):1368-77. doi:10.12991/jrespharm.1889221