Publication:

A study to assess and increase awareness regarding fixed dose combinations among medical undergraduates at Indore and Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India

Background Fixed dose combination (FDC) is a formulation containing two or more active ingredients in a fixed ratio of doses. Presently, there is lot of debate over rationality- irrationality, advantages-disadvantages of FDCs. Their judicious use or misuse is primarily up to the physician. FDCs should be focused upon in detail in undergraduate teaching as these students would be the future practitioners. Hence, the present study was undertaken to address these issue regarding FDCs in medical undergraduates in 2 government medical colleges in central India.

Methods Questionnaire addressing various aspects of FDCs was prepared. Survey was conducted at medical colleges at Indore and Sagar among MBBS students belonging to 2nd and 3rd professional years. After pre-test questionnaires were filled, an educational intervention was given to students in the form of an interactive presentation on FDCs addressing all the major aspects. After a week, the post-test questionnaire containing same 20 questions was administered to the students. Data from pre and post-test responses was compiled in tabular form and analysed using simple percentage method.

Results Pre-test responses showed that students already have a high level of awareness regarding basic concepts of FDCs; however they were found lacking in knowledge about the scientific aspects of FDCs. The educational interventional led to a substantial improvement in awareness regarding all aspects of FDCs and cleared students’ confusions.

Conclusions Students’ awareness and knowledge about an important topic like FDCs should be strengthened through focused training which can prove critical in promoting rational use of drugs in the future.