Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Pharmacovigilance Science in Ayurveda among Ayurved pharmacy undergraduates - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: India is known for its traditional medicinal systems. Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems are being practised since ages and their use have accepted in other countries in era of globalisation. There is a wide spread misconception that all drugs of “natural” origin are “safe”. Many drugs not only of allopathy but homeopathy as well Ayurved, having undesirable unwanted effects beyond therapeutic action called Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR). Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, New Delhi has initiated the Pharmacovigilance Program for Ayurved, Siddha, Unani & Homeopathy drugs (ASU & H drugs). Aim and Objectives: To evaluate knowledge, attitude and perception of Pharmacovigilance among Ayurved pharmacy undergraduates. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted among Ayurved pharmacy undergraduates perusing their study at government Ayurved College during 2022. The questionnaire was designed to test knowledge, attitude and perception of Pharmacovigilance. Basic and study data was entered in Microsoft Office Excel 2016 and descriptive statistics was used. Result: Majority students had knowledge about “ADR’ and “Pharmacovigilance” and “ADR” reporting Centre” but where and to whom and how to report was lacking as there have not been exposed to any practical training and awareness session. Majority participants were agreed that all the drugs including ASU & H has adverse drug reaction and need to report and should be mandatory. Conclusion: There is a need of more awareness and practical/ hand to hand training programme related to Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting to Undergraduate Ayurved Pharmacy Students to sensitise them and to strengthen the reporting culture for ASU & H drugs form early stage.