Assessment of knowledge of medical post graduate students regarding promotional drug literature using WHO criteria

Abstract

Objective: Pharmaceutical promotional activities create potential for inappropriate prescribing practices without necessarily benefiting the patients but contributes to increased health care costs if prescriber is not aware of WHO criteria for ethical medical drug promotion 1988.So this study was conducted with objective to assess the knowledge of medical post graduate students about WHO criteria for promotional drug literature. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in the various departments of Pt. J. N. M. Medical College & associated Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital Raipur (C.G.). 100 medical post graduate students were given a promotional drug literature & were asked to evaluate it according to WHO Criteria on prescribed proforma. Results: 33% Medical Post Graduate students were aware of WHO criteria. 14% students evaluated importance of reference of scientific literature. 29% evaluated importance of name and address of manufacturer or distributor. 33% evaluated necessity of dosage form or regimen. 70% evaluated the importance of active ingredients. 76% students evaluated the importance of other ingredients or adjuvant known to cause problem. 80% students evaluated the importance of major drug interactions. 95% students evaluated the importance of the amount of active ingredients per dosage form. 96% students evaluated importance of drug related precautions, contraindications and warnings. 98% evaluated the importance of side effects and major adverse drug reactions. 100% students evaluated the importance of brand name and approved therapeutic uses. Conclusion: The study showed that medical post graduate students have little knowledge about WHO Criteria of promotional drug literature. They require constant education regarding WHO guidelines as these brochures often influence prescribing behaviours of physicians. Keywords: WHO criteria, Promotional, Drug, Literature, Students.