A study to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding Pharmacovigilance Programme of India among interns in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: The Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) aims at sensitizing the health-care providers toward strengthening the spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and to protect the lives of millions of people living in a vast country like India. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to analyze the knowledge and attitude regarding PvPI among interns in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional model was approved by Scientific Research and Institutional Ethics Committee. All the 120 internees of Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre were evaluated for their knowledge and attitude regarding PvPI with the help of pre-validated structured questionnaire. This study was conducted for a period of 3 months after obtaining written informed consent from each participant. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Findings of this study showed that 81% were aware of PvPI, whereas 75% had very good knowledge about Naranjo’s causality assessment. 43% of the entrants were willing to report ADR. 65% of the participants agreed the mandatory reporting of ADR with 35% of uncertainty and 14% accepted that collection boxes at all departments are helpful for ADR reporting. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that knowledge and attitude toward PvPI are gradually improving among interns. The ADR reporting could be made mandatory in a tertiary care hospital as an integral part of clinical activities, which is the only solution, wherein PvPI can be implemented effectively.