Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Pharmacovigilance among Doctors at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Birgunj, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmacovigilance helps in the detection and prevention of adverse effects of drugs. For the effectiveness of this program, health care professionals should report adverse drug reactions (ADRs) considering it as their moral and professional obligation. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the doctors towards ADRs and pharmacovigilance in  National Medical College Teaching Hospital (NMCTH), a tertiary care teaching hospital situated in the Narayani zone.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of four parts; first part included a demographic profile of participants, the second part consisted of ten questions for the assessment of the knowledge about pharmacovigilance, third part comprised of six questions on attitude and fourth part consisted of five questions on practice. The results were depicted in the form of percentages for each KAPs questionnaire.  

Results: The response rate of participants was 85.16%. Pharmacovigilance was correctly defined by 52%. Department of drug administration was responsible for monitoring ADRs in Nepal was correctly given by 80%. Only 8% had reported ADRs, although 62% had encountered an ADR in their clinical practice.

Conclusion: The doctors at NMCTH had a poor KAP towards pharmacovigilance and educational intervention is needed for the proper functioning of this program.