Knowledge, attitude and perception of physicians towards adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting: A pharmacoepidemiological study

Abstract

Background: Reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) spontaneously is considered as a cornerstone of pharmacovigilance. However, its success depends on co-operative and motivated health care professionals. Under-reporting of the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by the prescribers is a common problem. Objective: The present study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and perception of physicians from various fields in Hyderabad, towards adverse drug reactions reporting, to get an in-sight into the causes of under-reporting of ADRs and to suggest possible ways of improving this method of reporting. Method: The study was cross-sectional and questionnaire-based involving only medical doctors working in different fields. The completion of the questionnaire by respondents was taken as their consent to participate in the study. A total of 120 predesigned KAP (Knowledge, Attitude and Perception) questionnaires consisting of 25 questions were distributed to doctors with minimum qualification of MBBS. Microsoft Excel worksheet (Microsoft Office 2007) was used for statistical analysis. Result: Only 94 out of 120 respondents filled and returned the questionnaire within the stipulated time frame giving a response rate of about 78.33%. 88 [93.61%] doctors feel that ADR reporting and monitoring system would benefit the patients. Busy schedule, lack of knowledge about the exact authority to report ADRs, unavailability of ADR reporting forms, lack of incentives were some of the reasons for under-reporting of ADRs. Conclusion: It was observed that the knowledge of ADRs and how to report them are inadequate among doctors. More awareness should be created on the ADR reporting system.