A cross-sectional study on the extent of Pharmacovigilance awareness among fifth term medical students

Background: Adverse effects due to medicines are common cause of morbidity and mortality and have a major impact on public health. Aim: To assess the awareness of Pharmacovigilance among fifth term medical students. Material and methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study based on the questionnaire. The study was conducted on fifth term medical students in the Department of Pharmacology of BMCH, Chitradurga. 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 analyzed data of 66 participants. The results were evaluated graphically using Microsoft excel sheet. Results: 89.93% 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 (ADR). 34.84% of students had wrong perception that WHO online database for reporting ADRs was Medsafe and 31.81% thought Vigibase as the WHO 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 types of ADRs (mild, moderate and 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 findings 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. Conclusion: The current study revealed that medical students had good awareness about Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. Better understanding of subject will help in improving the quality of health care and safety of the patients.