Comparative study of knowledge, attitude, and practices of adverse drug reaction reporting among healthcare workers in primary and secondary health facilities

Objectives: Underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is a global problem due to its potential to result in morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs that can be avoided. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ADR reporting among healthcare workers (HCW) in primary and secondary healthcare facilities (SHCs) in Lagos State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A comparative descriptive survey was carried out among 300 HCWs from selected primary and SHCs in Lagos State, Nigeria, to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices affecting ADR reporting in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, whereas the Chi-square test was used to evaluate categorical variables at p < 0.05. Results: Good knowledge of ADR reporting was found in 90.7% of health workers in primary facilities versus 75.3% in secondary facilities. An understanding of the most crucial purpose of pharmacovigilance was present in 62% of health workers in primary facilities and 69.3% in secondary facilities. A positive attitude toward ADR reporting occurred in 91.3% of health workers in primary facilities and 98.7% in secondary facilities. Profession, level of education, ethnicity, and marital status were found to be associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice of ADR reporting. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that respondents in primary and SHCs in Lagos, Nigeria, had good knowledge and attitude toward ADR reporting. However, the practice has been poor despite the level of awareness among HCWs who participated in the study. Sociodemographic factors also influence knowledge and practice. These findings highlight the need for targeted training and continuous sensitization programs to strengthen pharmacovigilance practices across all healthcare levels.