KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS REPORTING IN NURSES OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Introduction: ADRs significantly contribute to death and morbidity. The underreporting of adverse drug reactions is a widespread concern worldwide. Nurses are vital to healthcare and significantly contribute to adverse drug reaction reporting inside hospitals. This study was planned to assess nurses’ knowledge, attitude and practice about ADR reporting, as well as to provide suggestions for improvement. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study involving 60 nurses, using a questionnaire with questions on knowledge (12), attitude (5) and practice (9) about ADR reporting. Responses were analysed both item-wise and domain-wise. Knowledge (12), attitude (5), and practice (9) responses were summarized using descriptive statistics and expressed as percentages for each item. In addition to item-wise descriptive percentages, responses were grouped into three domains: knowledge (12), attitude (5), and practice (9). Domain-wise responses were summarized using descriptive statistics to describe overall trends in nurses’ knowledge, attitude and practice related to ADR reporting. Results: A majority of the nurses (89.33%) were knew the term PV. 95% of nurses agreed that adverse drug reaction reporting is a professional obligation. 82% of nurses were aware about the existence of the ADR Monitoring Centre (AMC) located within the hospital. 72% of nurses were aware that the CDSCO is the regulatory body responsible for ADRs. 80% said that they had received training on reporting ADRs. 85% nurses noted ADRs in patients; however, only 48.33% reported to the pharmacovigilance centre. The primary cause of underreporting of ADRs was lack of time to submit reports. Conclusions: A notable disparity exists between adverse drug reactions noticed in patients and those reported by nurses. Participants agreed that adverse drug reactions reporting is essential and that regular awareness activities are required to enhance knowledge of adverse drug reactions, hence improving the existing state of adverse drug reactions reporting.