KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING PHARMACOVIGILANCE IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA
Background: In Nigeria, reporting pharmacovigilance issues including adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from health facilities is encouraged especially by health care professionals (HCPs). Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of HCPs regarding pharmacovigilance in teaching...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Ntec Specialist
2021-06-01
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| Series: | Kanem Journal of Medical Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://kjmsmedicaljournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/7.Opadeyi-AO-et-al-1.pdf |
| Summary: | Background: In Nigeria, reporting pharmacovigilance issues including adverse drug reactions
(ADRs) from health facilities is encouraged especially by health care professionals (HCPs).
Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of HCPs regarding
pharmacovigilance in teaching hospitals in the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected teaching hospitals in the
South-South zone of Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was self-administered to 1200
HCPs (doctors, pharmacists and nurses). Information sought included demographics,
knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance especially ADRs reporting. The data was
analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The 796 adequately completed
questionnaires were used for the analysis. The mean age (standard deviation, SD) of the
participants was 39.0 (8.0) years and the mean duration of practice (SD) was 12.7 (8.2) years. Two
hundred and forty-one (30.3 %) of HCPs had ever documented or reported ADRs, of which only
97 (40.2 %) had ever used the national ADRs reporting form. Most respondents 746 (93.7 %) knew
they could submit ADRs reports relating to new medicines and submit reports of new and
unexpected ADRs 683 (85.8 %). Fewer respondents 540 (67.3 %) would submit reports relating to
herbal medicines, and 256 (32.2 %) mild ADRs. Four hundred and fifty-six (57.3 %) had no
difficulty in determining whether to report ADRs. Overall, nurses appeared the least
knowledgeable about reporting ADRs. On improving reports, 278 (34.9 %) respondents
advocated increased awareness and education on ADRs reporting. Conclusion: The HCPs in
tertiary hospitals in the South-South zone had a modest knowledge, positive attitude but poor
reporting practices in pharmacovigilance which may be improved with education and easier
reporting processes. |
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| ISSN: | 2006-4772 2714-2426 |