Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) constitute important cause of morbidity and mortality affecting all age groups. Most of the studies in past have explored and reported knowledge and perception toward ADRs among health-care professionals, pharmacists, and medical students. But studies on awareness among patients are limited. To improve understanding of ADR and its reporting, it is important to find out the same among patients.
Objective: To assess knowledge and perception toward ADR among patients visiting tertiary-care rural hospital, and to sensitize patients on ADR reporting system.
Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted at tertiary-care teaching hospital and 150 patients were selected randomly. Demographic details of respondents were noted and questionnaire regarding knowledge and perceptions was given to fill up. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics.
Result: Demographic analysis showed that 59% patients were men, 56% were from rural areas, and 45% were graduates. Regarding knowledge about ADR, 78.6% patients were aware that medicines can cause ADRs and 33% had experienced side effects in past. None of the respondents were aware of ADR reporting center. Regarding perceptions toward ADR, 86.7% agreed to report ADR in future and 56% respondents believed ADR reporting may strengthen the patient safety. According to 70% patients, awareness campaign is the best way to educate them regarding ADR.
Conclusion: Educational interventions are needed to improve awareness among patients regarding importance of ADR reporting.
Key words: Knowledge; Perception; Adverse Drug Reactions
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