Assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of hospital-based pharmacists in reporting adverse drug reactions in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality associated with medication use in patients. Prompt reporting of all ADRs is the best way to address this issue. The objectives of this study are to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of hospital pharmacists toward ADR reporting in selected public and private hospitals in two local government areas (LGAs) of Lagos State. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital pharmacists in Ikeja and Surulere LGAs using pretested and validated, self-administered questionnaires. Associations between demographic variables and KAP levels were evaluated using descriptive analysis and a Chi-squared test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 100 questionnaires were received and analyzed; with 40% males and 60% females, majority of who were under 30 years. Pharmacists in public hospitals demonstrated a higher knowledge and attitude scores to ADR reporting at 90% and 81.7% respectively, while higher practice scores were seen in private hospitals at 37.5%. Overall, good knowledge and attitude scores of 89% and 82%, respectively, were reported, but poor practice scores of 23% were obtained across both hospital sectors. There was a degree of association between higher education levels and a positive attitude to ADR reporting at 3.37 (95% confidence interval: 0.99–11.49, P = 0.049). Conclusion: Hospital pharmacists in Lagos State have a high level of knowledge and positive attitude to ADR reporting but there is low practice, especially in the public sector.