Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of nurses regarding adverse drug reaction reporting in Herat, Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: ADRs pose significant risks to patient safety, making effective reporting essential for pharmacovigilance. This study aimed to assess the KAP of nurses regarding ADR reporting in Herat, Afghanistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024, involving 385 nurses across various healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics. A structured self-administered questionnaire was utilized to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to ADR reporting. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study found that 60.8% of participants were aware of what an ADR is, yet only 5.5% had reported an ADR. Attitudes toward ADR reporting were generally positive, with 79.7% believing it is part of a nurse’s role. However, significant gaps in knowledge and actual reporting practices were identified. Barriers included lack of training and fear of legal repercussions. Conclusion: While nurses in Herat exhibit a positive attitude toward ADR reporting, knowledge gaps and low reporting rates highlight the need for targeted educational interventions and institutional support to enhance pharmacovigilance efforts in the region