Awareness and Knowledge of Adverse Drug Reactions and Pharmacovigilance Among Medical and Nursing Students and Staff in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background Pharmacovigilance is defined as the science and activities related to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or other drug-related problems. Underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is a global issue, and adequate knowledge among healthcare professionals is essential. Engaging young doctors and nursing professionals in pharmacovigilance is crucial for promoting ADR reporting. Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of ADRs and pharmacovigilance among medical and nursing students and staff in a tertiary care hospital in Vijayapura, India. Methods A cross-sectional, observational, questionnaire-based study was carried out using a validated questionnaire that included a total of 19 questions related to knowledge and awareness aspects. This was distributed electronically using Google Forms. By using the convenience sampling method, a sample size of 96 participants was calculated for each group (medical and nursing), and this was rounded to 100 participants per group to account for potential dropouts and to ensure the strength of this study. All the questions were peer-reviewed by expert faculties from the Department of Pharmacology. Results The data analysis showed that medical students and staff had superior knowledge of ADRs and pharmacovigilance. Nursing students and staff exhibited greater awareness of the nearest pharmacovigilance center and ADR monitoring centers in India. Nursing students and staff were more active in ADR and pharmacovigilance awareness programs. Conclusions This study clearly shows the importance of flexible attitudes and robust education in pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting among healthcare professionals. Executing simulation-based training can strengthen the skills and confidence of both medical and nursing professionals in ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance.