The Knowledge, attitude, and practice among Ayurvedic scholars and trainees towards pharmacovigilance: a questionnaire-based survey in Gujarat, India

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of scholars and trainees studying in Ayurveda colleges of Gujarat state regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. Methods:The questionnaire-based study was carried out during December 2020 and January 2021. Total 29 questions covering points like participants' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards pharmacovigilance, adverse drug reaction reporting, and misleading advertisements related to Ayurveda drugs were made available to participants in Google forms through their Emails. The result was presented using simple frequencies with percentages in appropriate tables. Results: A total of 1790 scholars and trainees from 17 different colleges of Gujarat state participated in the survey. The majority of participants were BAMS students (97. 15 %) and from private colleges (81. 79%). Analysis of survey data reveals that the majority of the respondents have better knowledge and attitude, but limited practice regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. Among the respondents, 86. 74 % had correctly defined the Pharmacovigilance and 69. 32 % knew about the specific ADR reporting form for ASU&H drugs. Even though ADR reporting was considered to be important by a large majority of the participants (87. 95 %), the actual practices of ADR reporting were very low. A large number of respondents were also not familiar with reporting misleading advertisements. Conclusion:Findings of the present study reflect a good knowledge of the participants about the concept of Pharmacovigilance but lack of skill in practicing the same. The positive attitude towards the practice of Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting may help in improving ADR monitoring and reporting. Further, it can be suggested that integration of this subject in the curriculum is pivotal in improving the ongoing pharmacovigilance activities.

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Pharmacovigilance Science in Ayurveda among Ayurved pharmacy undergraduates - A Cross Sectional Study

“…Data collection tool: The questionnaire was designed and prepared from previously published scientific literature with similar interest. [8] A questionnaire included the questions related to participants' knowledge about ADR and pharmacovigilance, attitude and perception towards adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting and Pharmacovigilance. The questionnaire was reviewed by Pharmacovigilance experts, and checked for consistencies, clarity and relevant modification before the conduct of the study.…”