Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Undergraduate Health Sciences students on Pharmacovigilance: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nepal

Abstract

This study aims to assess and compare the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding pharmacovigilance among students enrolled in various health sciences colleges across Nepal.

A cross-sectional study employing a questionnaire-based approach was undertaken to gather data from currently enrolled health sciences students in Nepal. To facilitate data collection, an online survey utilizing Google Forms was deployed, with the survey link disseminated through email and social media, accompanied by a clear elucidation of the study's objectives. Ethical approval was granted by the Institutional Review Committee (IRC) of Madan Bhandari Academy of Health Sciences, Hetauda, Nepal.

A total of 231 healthcare students took part in the study, with 4 participants failing to complete the survey. Among the participants, approximately 61% (n = 141) were pursuing pharmacy degrees, 13.9% (n = 32) were in nursing programs, 13% (n = 30) were studying public health, and 3.5% (n = 8) were medical students. Notably, the majority of participants were female, accounting for 66.2% of the respondents. Upon evaluating the mean scores, it was observed that pharmacy students exhibited a good level of knowledge (mean score of 7.7) and public health students displayed a positive attitude (mean score of 6±3.52),  when compared to their counterparts in different health sciences professions.

The study findings indicate lower level of knowledge, attitude, and perception of pharmacovigilance among students. Consequently, the study underscores the importance of robust efforts to enhance awareness and augment student knowledge. This can be achieved through consistent sensitization programs, training initiatives, and prompt feedback. Implementing such strategies emerges as a critical approach to bolstering the spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) within healthcare facilities, directed towards the relevant authorities.

Keywords: Attitude, Knowledge, Perception, Pharmacovigilance, Undergraduate students