Publication:

Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance among undergraduate medical students in a teaching hospital of South Kerala, India

Background Prompt reporting and monitoring of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is necessary to enhance patient safety. This study was conducted to take steps to promote ADR reporting culture in medical students.

Methods 75 undergraduate Medical students from different batches were given a 20 item structured questionnaire containing 10 questions on Knowledge, 5 questions on Attitude, 4 questions on Practice of Pharmacovigilance and a general question for suggesting the causes of underreporting of ADRs. They were requested to fill up the questionnaire. Each correct response was given a score of 1 and responses were graded. Statistical analysis was done and results expressed in percentage. Using ANOVA and Post hoc analysis, scores of knowledge, attitude and practice were also compared between the batches.

Results Mean age was 22.01 +/- 1.438 years. 62.7% were females. Mean Knowledge score was significant (6.573+/- 0.3832). Final year students had better knowledge among the three batches. All students had positive attitude. However, the mean difference in practice scores was statistically significant between all groups. Lack of knowledge regarding where and how to report ADRs, lack of training in ADR reporting, lack of time due to busy schedules and fear of legal issues were suggested as causes of underreporting of ADRs.

Conclusions Good knowledge, Positive attitude and Poor practice were noticed among undergraduate Medical students towards Pharmacovigilance. Hence students should be familiarised with ADR detection and reporting through Project works and training programmes.