Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices of pharmacy professionals towards reporting adverse drug reactions in Sierra-Leone
Margaret O. Afolabi Kanayo P. Osemene and Jame P. Komeh
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
2 Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, New England, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Corresponding author: Kanayo Osemene.
E-mail: osemenekanayo@gmail.com Phone: +2348037161268
ABSTRACT
Background: Knowledge of reporting adverse drug reactions by health professionals remains unresolved.
Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of practicing pharmacy professionals to the reporting of adverse drug reaction (ADR) as well as evaluate the factors that influence ADR reporting in Sierra-Leone.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 practicing pharmacy professionals using a pre-tested questionnaire which elicited appropriate responses on the objectives of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. The relationship between KAP of ADR reporting and demographic variables was analyzed with the chi-square statistics at P < .05 level of significance.
Results: The response rate was 90%. There was no significant difference between knowledge of ADR reporting 2 2 and qualification of respondents (x =2.6, P=0.59). There was a significant difference (x =3.5, P=0.003) between years of practice of respondents, and knowledge of ADR reporting. There were significant 2 differences between the practice areas of respondents, with knowledge (x =4.2, P=0.001) and number 2 (98/135; x =2.65, P=0.006) of ADRs reported. The difference in mean score of respondents (1.90±1.35) mean±SD that felt ADR reporting should be compulsory and those who felt otherwise (3.58±1.73) mean±SD 2 was significant (x =2.1, P=0.001). Result showed that factors influencing ADR activities were professional experience 101(74.8%), inadequate knowledge about ADRs 89 (65.9%) and access to ADR reporting forms.
Conclusions: The study revealed some knowledge gaps among practicing pharmacy professionals in the monitoring and reporting of ADRs in Sierra-Leone. This makes it imperative to design educational programmes on ADR activities for practicing pharmacy professionals in order to improve ADR reporting.
Key words: Practicing pharmacy professionals, ADR reporting, Sierra-Leone