Abstract

Background:
Underreporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is a global issue; therefore, health care professionals require adequate understanding for timely reporting. Young doctors and nursing professionals must be engaged in pharmacovigilance programs to increase awareness regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting among undergraduate health care professionals in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methods:
The present cross-sectional, questionnaire-based descriptive study was carried out for 6 months among second-year medical (n=96) and nursing (n=91) students. A validated questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR between medical and nursing students.

Results:
Most MBBS students had a better understanding of pharmacovigilance compared to nursing students, including definition (64.4%), drug safety identification (76%), ADR reporting timelines (63.5%), and international monitoring centres (58.3%). Both groups strongly agreed on the importance of integrating ADR reporting into pharmacology practical’s and establishing it in hospitals, the role of reporting, and the need for pharmacovigilance education. Most MBBS students (99%) had seen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization ADR reporting form, while only over half of nursing students (52.7%) reported awareness of ADRs during ward postings.

Conclusion:
MBBS students are more aware of pharmacovigilance and the importance of ADR reporting than nursing students. Both MBBS and nursing students have minimal practical experience in reporting ADRs. Implementing effective teaching interventions can improve students’ confidence and skills in ADR reporting.

Key words: Adverse drug reaction, Awareness, Knowledge, Pharmacovigilance