Abstract

Background: Promotional drug literature (PDL) seems to be the source of information most commonly used by physicians to update their knowledge on existing and new drugs.

Aim and Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of resident doctors about PDL.

Materials and Methods: It was a prospective observational, questionnaire-based study. Approved by institutional Ethics committee. A pre-validated questionnaire (google form) was sent among the resident doctors. A total of 50 residents voluntarily participated in the study. The collected data were analyzed as frequencies and percentage.

Results: About 88% of residents were aware about term PDL. Only 50% resident doctors felt that PDL provides adequate drug information. Around 78% participants were aware that both forms of nomenclature should be included in PDL. Almost 92% participants had knowledge regarding complete drug information in PDL. Regarding safety information, 70% resident doctors felt that contraindication should be included in PDL. About 48% participants agreed that PDL might influence prescribing practice. Around 78% participants agreed that doctors’ integrity could compromised by accepting gifts from pharmaceutical representative.

Conclusion: However, participants had knowledge about PDL but there is a need to educate students at an early stage about ethical guidelines for assessing PDL.

Key words: Drug Promotional Literature; Knowledge; Attitude; Resident Doctors