Knowledge, attitude and participation of hospital pharmacists in adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria

Background: Pharmacists as a significant member of healthcare team are expected to play a pivotal role in adverse drug reaction (ADR) detection, monitoring and reporting. However, pharmacists have been found to inconsistently engage in this practice, thereby underscoring the need for periodic evaluation of their participation in core-aspects of ADRs.

Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and participation of pharmacists in 11-public hospitals in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria in ADR detection, monitoring and reporting.

Method: This was a questionnaire-guided cross-sectional survey among pharmacists in the 11-selected hospitals. Demographic information, general knowledge in ADRs, as well as attitude and participation in ADR detection, monitoring and reporting were assessed. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, while categorical variables were evaluated using Chi-square ( 2) test at p<0.05.

Results: All the 37 participants completely responded to the question-items. Twenty-one (56.8%) had 1-10 years' practice experience and 24 (65.0%) had prior ADR-related training. Overall, 17 (45.9%) had 'adequate' knowledge, 28 (75.1%) demonstrated 'positive' attitude, and 17 (45.9%) showed 'high' level of participation in ADR detection and monitoring. Prior training in ADR-reporting significantly influenced knowledge ( 2=4.220, p=0.04) and attitude ( 2=9.489, p=0.004).

Conclusion: The general knowledge of hospital pharmacists about ADRs and reporting is relatively moderate. Approximately three-quarters show positive attitude towards ADR reporting, and nearly half exhibit high level of participation. There is generally a need for consistent training and re-training of hospital pharmacists in the coreconcept of ADRs and ADR-reporting, as this may help in bridging the knowledge and practice gaps to enhance reporting rate.