Awareness of Pharmacovigilance Among Medical Students

Abstract

Have a major impact on public health. AIMTo assess the awareness of Pharmacovigilance among third year medical students. MATERIAL AND METHODSThis was an observational study. The study was conducted on fifth semester medical students in the Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Anantapur. A questionnaire containing 15 questions with 2-5 options were given to each student and they were asked to mark one best suitable option. We analysed data of 80 students. The results were evaluated graphically using Microsoft Excel sheet. RESULTS89.93% of students were aware of all the activities involved in Pharmacovigilance; 48.48% of the students had an idea that all the health care professionals (i.e. doctors, pharmacists, nurses) are responsible for reporting adverse drug reaction 34.84% of students had wrong perception that WHO online database for reporting ADRs was Medsafe and 31.8% thought Vigibase as online database; 48.48% had the correct understanding that CDSCO is the regulatory body for monitoring ADRs in India; 66.66% students thought that all the Adverse drug reactions (Mild, moderate, severe) irrespective of their severity have to be reported; 61% of students thought that ADR reporting is a Professional obligation; 91% of the students were aware that all the measures (Stop the drug, report ADR and treat the condition) have to be taken when an ADR is suspected. Other factors included like 68% students knew drugs banned because of ADR. Majority of students wrote Thalidomide and Nimesulide as an example for a drug banned because of ADR. CONCLUSIONThe current study revealed that medical students had good awareness.