Knowledge of Drug–Food Interactions Among Healthcare Professionals Working in Public Hospitals in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Drug–food interactions can result in unfavorable outcomes during the treatment of patients. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) should advise patients on drug–food interactions. Knowledge of such interactions is crucial to avoid their occurrence. However, there is no information regarding the knowledge of HCPs about drug–food interactions in Harari Regional State.

Objective

To assess knowledge of drug–food interactions and associated factors among HCPs working in public hospitals in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia from April 15 to May 15, 2022.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia, among 251 HCPs. After stratification was done based on profession (pharmacists, nurses, and doctors), the sample size was proportionally allocated for the respective groups. Data were collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire, entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 26.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables. Multivariable logistic regression was done to determine factors associated with knowledge of drug–food interactions. P < 0.05 was used to declare significant association.

Results

Among the HCPs who completed the questionnaire, 56 (22.3%), 36 (14.3%), and 159 (63.3%) were doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, respectively. The majority of the HCPs were males (174 (69.3%)). The mean age of the HCPs was 27.6±3.8. The mean knowledge score±SD of the HCPs was 28.6±6.6 out of an overall score of 59. The HCPs poorly identified drug–food interactions and the correct administration time of drugs relative to meals. Being a pharmacist (AOR: 2.8, CI: 1.3–6.4, p-value=0.012), and working at a tertiary hospital (AOR: 3.9, CI: 2.1–7.3, p-value <0.001), were associated with higher knowledge of drug-food interactions.

Conclusion

The HCPs in this study had inadequate knowledge of drug–food interactions. Thus, additional educational courses and training should be provided in order to improve knowledge regarding drug-food interaction.

Keywords:

• drug–food interaction
• knowledge
• healthcare professionals
• public hospitals

Abbreviations

HFCSH, Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital; JGH, Jugal General Hospital; HCPs, healthcare professionals; SD, standard deviations; IHRERC, Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee; MAOIs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Data Sharing Statement

All the data used for the study are contained within the manuscript.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee (IHRERC) of the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, with a reference number of IHRERC/050/2022. Permission was obtained from the Medical Directors of HFCSH and JGH to conduct the study. Informed, voluntary, written and signed consent was obtained from each participant. The information that the participants gave was kept confidential and there was no information that specifically identifies the participants.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the HCPs who participated in this study and the management at HFCSH and JGH for their cooperation during data collection.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted, and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.