KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE REGARDING PHARMACOVIGILANCE AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Authors

  • Adil Ali Ayed, Sadeem A. Alzahrani, Sarah A. Alghamd, Meshal M. Alorainan, Maram S. Bawazir, Sarah A. Alzahrani, Fay F. Alotaibi, Hajar T. Almutairi, Norah Y. Asiri, Khames T. Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmacovigilance is the science of monitoring and preventing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to enhance patient safety and improve healthcare outcomes. Established around 170 years ago, this field has evolved significantly, with key contributions from the World Health Organization's Uppsala Monitoring Centre and national initiatives like Saudi Arabia's National Pharmacovigilance Center. Studies highlight healthcare providers' and patients' varying knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ADR reporting, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and training. Addressing the under-reporting of ADRs is crucial to improving global drug safety and patient care. The study set out to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacovigilance among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study recruited healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia via social media from July to December 2024. Participants, including those with at least one year of experience and direct patient contact, completed an online self-administered questionnaire. The target sample size of 384 was determined using a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The questionnaire, adapted from similar studies, covered demographics, knowledge of pharmacovigilance, attitudes toward ADR reporting, and reporting procedures

Results: The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pharmacovigilance among 452 healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia. Notably, 59.7% demonstrated a foundational understanding of pharmacovigilance, yet only 56.2% recognized its purpose in enhancing patient safety, revealing a significant knowledge gap. Despite a positive attitude toward reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs), with 70.4% acknowledging its importance for public health, only 37.2% reported observed ADRs, indicating a discrepancy in proactive engagement. Furthermore, 71.2% exhibited a low level of practice in pharmacovigilance, emphasizing the need for enhanced training to bridge the gap between knowledge, attitudes, and actual practices.

Conclusion: The mixed levels of awareness, positive attitudes, and concerning reporting practices underscore the importance of continuous efforts to promote pharmacovigilance and enhance patient safety.

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Published

2025-01-15

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Articles

How to Cite

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE REGARDING PHARMACOVIGILANCE AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN SAUDI ARABIA. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 462-482. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1234