Survey of Contextual Correlates of Pharmacovigilance Practices in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pharmacovigilance (PV) became prominent with increasing number of drugs in clinical practice and associated adverse drug events. PV practice in Nigeria is not significantly prevalent. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge, attitude, practice and contextual correlates of PV among practicing hospital pharmacists in Delta state, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving self-designed questionnaires administered to 100 hospital pharmacists. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. There were more males; 69% were aged between the ages of 22-30 years; 47% worked for between 5-10 years in their present place of work; 81% of the respondents had one or more post graduate certificates. All respondents were familiar with the term PV while only 3% could not give its correct definition. The overall mean positive attitude was 87%. Over 90% of respondents believed pharmacists should be involved in Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting; that pharmacists should attend training programmes, and that ADR reporting is a professional role of the pharmacist; 94% of the hospitals established PV centre mostly (87.2%) headed by pharmacists; a PV committee existed in most hospitals (85.9%). All respondents were aware of the National PV centre but only 80.9% identified Abuja as its location. 75% of respondents ever identified ADRs; only 2.8% reported to the National PV centre; 68.7% had reported a new ADR; gender and postgraduate qualifications were correlated with respondents’ knowledge of PV; gender and years of practice were correlated with respondents’ attitude toward PV. Lack of finance, inadequate infrastructure and manpower were the identified barriers to PV practice. There is needed for practicing health professionals to be exposed to adequate training.