Abstract

Akshata V. Athanimath, Bhoomika S. Geeranavar, Sourav D. Gore, Satyam S. Desai,
Geetanjali S. Salimath*, Mallikarjun S. Karishetti, Gangayya J. Wakkundmath

ABSTRACT

Background: Given the potential gaps or obstacles in under-reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), especially among healthcare professionals, it is essential to address this issue in patients of Nephrology, as they have unique pharmacotherapeutic needs and an increased risk of adverse reactions due to renal impairment. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among healthcare professionals regarding ADR reporting. Method: A cross-sectional survey study using convenience sampling was conducted in the Nephrology department of a tertiary care hospital in India, after approval by the ethics committee. Participants who provided consent completed a reliable, self-validated questionnaire (using a 3-point Likert scale and Cronbach’s alpha score) via Google Forms. Descriptive statistics were applied for continuous and categorical variables; the software used included Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 20). Results: Of the 52 participants, profession-wise, doctors numbered 6 (6,11.53%), nurses 9 (17.3%), pharmacists 6 (11.53%), students 30 (57.69%), and other healthcare professionals 1 (1.92%). In the knowledge domain, 21.20% of healthcare professionals experienced difficulties in understanding ADR reporting; in the attitude, 46.15% felt that patient confidentiality was affected; in the practice, 50.00% reported a lack of training; and 63.41% faced numerous challenges related to under-reporting of ADRs. Conclusion: Participants demonstrated good knowledge and attitude but lacked reporting practices due to insufficient training, concerns about patient confidentiality, and skill gaps. Training and awareness programs to improve ADR reporting are needed, coordinated by the Pharmacovigilance Reporting Centre in collaboration with all healthcare professionals.