KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS AMONG THE MODERN MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN A TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTION IN NORTHERN KERALA

Background: Drug–drug interactions (DDI’s) are a common yet often preventable cause of adverse drug events, particularly in settings involving polypharmacy. Awareness and vigilance among prescribers are essential to minimize therapeutic failures and patient harm. Despite their clinical significance, knowledge and practices surrounding DDIs remain suboptimal in many healthcare environments. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of modern medical practitioners in a tertiary care center in Kerala regarding DDI’s, and to identify the factors associated with their knowledge levels. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 consenting medical professionals including interns, residents, and consultants, and was selected through simple random sampling. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and attitude was administered to collect the responses and scoring systems were assigned to assess these parameters regarding drug-drug interactions. Results: Among respondents, even though 84% were aware of DDI’s, only 6% demonstrated good knowledge. 50% and 44% had average and poor knowledge respectively. Good knowledge was significantly associated with higher qualifications, practice duration, government college background, CME participation, and self-learning. Attitudes were more favorable. 55% of the study participants have exhibited a good attitude with significant associations seen with gender, qualification, information sources, and type of training they received. Conclusion: Enhancing DDI awareness alone is insufficient; structured educational interventions and practical training are critical to foster both competence and conscientious prescribing.