ABSTRACT
Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Spontaneous reporting of ADRs is considered an essential component of successful pharmacovigilance (PV). Physicians’ unfamiliarity with ADRs and reporting procedures are major factors that lead to sub-optimal reporting of ADRs. Objective: This study explored knowledge, awareness, attitude and practice (KAAP) of physicians towards ADRs and their reporting. Methods: This study was conducted at three general hospitals in Jeddah City. A 7-item, self-administered questionnaire was developed to explore physicians’ KAAP. Results: Majority of physicians had post-graduate qualification (n=243, 72%), were from medical departments (n=146, 43.3%), had long clinical experience (n=258, 77%) and consulted more than 10 patients daily (n=258, 77%). About 72% of physicians were never exposed to ADR training program. More than 60% of physicians were not fully aware of ADR reporting perspectives. Majority of them (75%) knew the correct definition of ADR and adequate knowledge of reportable ADRs (>90%). Majority of physicians depended on textbooks on drugs and therapies (31.2%) and drug package inserts (22.3%) as sources of ADR information. The majority of respondents (>90%) showed positive attitude towards ADRs and ADRs reporting and monitoring system. About 57.6% of physicians had come across ADRs in practice but only 21.7% reported these reactions. Most of physicians agreed to improve KAP towards ADRs reporting. Conclusion: The preliminary findings of this study suggest that though majority of physicians had good awareness and positive attitude towards ADR and ADR reporting, but needed correct knowledge in some areas of ADRs and their reporting system. Majority of physicians were not exposed to ADR training courses. Physicians certainly need ADR training programs in order to further enhance their KAAP towards ADRs and ADR reporting.