Awareness of adverse drug reactions in third M.B.B.S students practicing self-medication

Background: Students self-medicate but the extent of their knowledge regarding potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to drugs consumed by them is not known. This has many implications. This study has attempted to evaluate this knowledge in third MBBS students practicing self-medication.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a self-designed, pretested questionnaire was presented to third MBBS students in a teaching hospital. Information sought:-Demographic data, self-medication drugs used within last one month, indication, duration, awareness and expected ADRs for the drugs consumed. Results were calculated as percentages.Results: 79 out of 87 third MBBS students present on the day of study were presented with questionnaire all attempted it; giving a response rate of 100%. Within the last one month 31 (39.24%) had self-medicated. There was no significant difference in self-medication between male and female students. Medication was used for adequate duration (93.87%) and for apparently correct indications (81.6%) by most students. Main group of drugs consumed were NSAIDs including antipyretics (42.59%), antibiotics (18.53%) and antihistaminics (16.66%). Fourteen (45.16%) students said they were aware of potential ADRs to the consumed drugs and 13 (43.93%) listed expected ADRs correctly .Although a wide range of drugs were consumed, the number of ADRs mentioned were few and its spectrum limited. 11 (35.48%) students mentioned only one ADR. No student mentioned more than two ADRs. Dyspepsia (56.25%) was most common ADR stated.Conclusions: Considering the wide range of drugs consumed, the numbers of ADRs mentioned were few and their spectrum limited indicating scope for improvement

Knowledge, attitude and practice of adverse drug reaction reporting among teaching and nonteaching hospital physicians

Background: Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) analysis may provide insight into the reasons associated with reporting of adverse drug reaction. Therefore study was carried out to investigate knowledge, attitude and practice of adverse drug reaction reporting and identify factors affecting reporting of adverse drug reactions among physicians in a teaching (THPs) and non-teaching hospital/s (NTHPs).Methods: This was a questionnaire based cross sectional study. 6 items on knowledge, 3 on attitude and 1 on practice were scored and mean KAP score calculated. The score was graded as: 0-5 low, 6-8 moderate, 9-10 high. Factors influencing reporting of ADRs were studied. Chi square and student’s unpaired t test were used to study statistical significance intergroup.Results: Out of 102, 61 were THPs and 41 NTHPs. KAP scores were similar in both groups. Both groups believed in reporting all ADRs to new and old drugs. Most did not know where to obtain a form/ if an ADR monitoring centre existed in town. Most were ready to report an ADR to ADR monitoring centre while very few had actually reported. Most were unaware how and where to report. THPs seemed more concerned about being considered negligent in duty and had difficulties identifying ADRs correctly.Conclusions: Groups had moderate knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) score but there is scope for improvement. Attitude to reporting is positive. Concerns regarding blame for negligence in duty, difficulty in identifying ADRs, how and where to report exist. There is a need to create awareness among physicians and address these factors