Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Among Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Pharmacovigilance means detecting, assessing, and preventing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of medical undergraduates towards pharmacovigilance and ADR. Methods: A cross-sectional survey evaluated 300 under graduate medical students at Government Medical College, Suryapet, focusing on demographics and KAP. Data interpretation employed descriptive statistics. Demographics: Participants were primarily aged 18-20 (62.3%) and 21-23 (37.7%), with a gender distribution of 48.3% males and 51.7% females. Most were in their 2nd or 3rd year (72.7%). Knowledge: A significant 81.7% correctly identified ADRs. Pharmacovigilance’s role in post marketing surveillance was understood by 76.3%. Awareness of the National Centre for ADR Monitoring in Ghaziabad was at 71.8%. Most (95%) acknowledged the fatality risk in severe ADRs and healthcare professionals’ reporting role (92%). Attitudes: A strong inclination for mandatory ADR reporting (69.7%) and its positive impact on patient safety (86%) was evident. High percentages (95.3% and 91%) viewed ADR reporting as a professional obligation and an area where medical students can contribute. Practices: Difficulties in ADR reporting were encountered by 41.3%, mostly due to the unavailability of forms (35.7%) and time constraints (27%). Awareness of immediate cessation for severe ADRs was high (78.7%), and 66.3% had reported ADRs. Preferred reporting methods were via email or website (44.7%), with 42.3% prioritizing patient management over reporting. Conclusion: The study revealed diverse degrees of knowledge, attitude, and practice in undergraduate medical students concerning pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. Favourable views towards ADR reporting were noted. Tackling obstacles and improving education are crucial for equipping future healthcare workers to contribute meaningfully to patient safety.