KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING PHARMACOVIGILANCE IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Background: In Nigeria, reporting pharmacovigilance issues including adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from health facilities is encouraged especially by health care professionals (HCPs). Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of HCPs regarding pharmacovigilance in teaching hospitals in the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected teaching hospitals in the South-South zone of Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was self-administered to 1200 HCPs (doctors, pharmacists and nurses). Information sought included demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance especially ADRs reporting. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The 796 adequately completed questionnaires were used for the analysis. The mean age (standard deviation, SD) of the participants was 39.0 (8.0) years and the mean duration of practice (SD) was 12.7 (8.2) years. Two hundred and forty-one (30.3 %) of HCPs had ever documented or reported ADRs, of which only 97 (40.2 %) had ever used the national ADRs reporting form. Most respondents 746 (93.7 %) knew they could submit ADRs reports relating to new medicines and submit reports of new and unexpected ADRs 683 (85.8 %). Fewer respondents 540 (67.3 %) would submit reports relating to herbal medicines, and 256 (32.2 %) mild ADRs. Four hundred and fifty-six (57.3 %) had no difficulty in determining whether to report ADRs. Overall, nurses appeared the least knowledgeable about reporting ADRs. On improving reports, 278 (34.9 %) respondents advocated increased awareness and education on ADRs reporting. Conclusion: The HCPs in tertiary hospitals in the South-South zone had a modest knowledge, positive attitude but poor reporting practices in pharmacovigilance which may be improved with education and easier reporting processes