To assess the knowledge and attitude regarding adverse drug reaction reporting in pharmacovigilance

Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude regarding adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting in pharmacovigilance (PV) and to determine the effectiveness of structured training program (STP) on the knowledge and attitude regarding ADR reporting in PV among Undergraduate nursing students in a selected nursing college in Mysuru. Materials & Methods: A quantitative experimental research approach was employed for this study. The sample consisted of 60 undergraduate (UG) nursing students, selected through simple random sampling. The study tools, including a Structured Knowledge Questionnaire and an Attitude Assessment Scale/Questionnaire, were self-developed and pre-validated. Reliability of these tools was ensured using split-half and test-retest methods. Participants underwent a pre-test using these questionnaires before receiving a 1-hour STP on the topic of PV. Following the STP, participants completed a post-test using the same questionnaires. Subsequently, results of pre- and post-test questionnaires were compared to assess the differences. Results: There was an overall notable improvement in both the post-test knowledge and attitude scores compared to their corresponding pre-test scores. The difference between the mean knowledge and attitude scores before and after the STP was found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, the pre-test knowledge and attitude scores exhibited a positive correlation. Upon further exploration of the association between pre-test knowledge and attitude scores and selected personal variables, it was observed that the knowledge and attitude remained independent of most personal variables. However, gender emerged as a personal variable associated with attitude. Conclusion: Overall, the study findings demonstrated a significant improvement in the knowledge and attitude of UG nurses regarding ADR reporting in PV following administration of STP. This study underscores the critical role of nursing education in advancing patient safety initiatives as part of pharmacovigilance education. Furthermore, the study provides a foundation for further research and the development of effective training methods aimed at enhancing ADR reporting practices among nurses and other healthcare professionals.