Knowledge and Awareness of Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Reactions Among Nurses and Pharmacists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs), including drug allergies and anaphylaxis, present significant risks in clinical practice. Prompt recognition and appropriate management are vital for patient safety. However, knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals can lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of healthcare workers regarding the mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of drug allergies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2023 and 2024 across eight hospitals in the Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. A validated, self-administered questionnaire comprising demographic items and 14 knowledge questions was distributed to pharmacists and nurses (n=169). Descriptive statistics summarized the participant characteristics and response patterns. Independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Chi-square tests were used to assess differences and associations, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results The participants were predominantly female respondents (n=119, 70.4%) and nurses (n=124, 73.4%), with most holding a bachelor's degree (n=138, 81.7%). The mean knowledge score was 6.36±2.23 (range: 2-14), and the mean precision score was 45.39±15.96 (range: 14.29-100). No significant differences in mean scores were found by gender, job title, education level, or hospital level. Correct response rates ranged from 15 (8.9%) for identifying the indication for a drug provocation test to 148 (87.6%) for identifying penicillin as the recommended drug for intradermal testing. Significant associations were found between specific knowledge items and demographic variables, including job title (p=0.020), gender (p=0.001), education level (p=0.040), and hospital level (p<0.001). Conclusion The overall knowledge and precision scores among healthcare professionals were suboptimal, with notable gaps in diagnostic and procedural aspects of drug allergy management. Targeted educational interventions are recommended to address these gaps, particularly focusing on diagnostic procedures and appropriate clinical responses.