Determination of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Pharmacovigilance among Clinical Post Graduate Students in a Teaching Hospital, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. This issue can be addressed with a good pharmacovigilance (PV) programme. One of the barriers to good PV is underreporting of ADR. To accomplish this, health practitioners must have sufficient ADR knowledge, attitude, and practise (KAP). Objective: To assess KAP about PV among post graduate (PG) students. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire with 22 items addressing knowledge, attitude, and practise about PV was delivered to PG students in MIMS College's clinical departments. Direct supervision was provided during the completion of the surveys. The results of the completed questionnaires were evaluated using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Results: Evaluation showed an average of 52.3% correct and 47.7% incorrect knowledge about ADR`s and PV.50% students are not sure regarding occurrence of ADR.90% students are not been trained upon reporting of ADR`s. Our research discovered that while PG students had a more positive attitude regarding PV, they have insufficient knowledge and awareness about the subject. We also discovered that the students lacked practise. Conclusions: PV knowledge and awareness among PG students can be imparted by regular educational intervention, resulting in better practise among PG students.