Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pharmacovigilance among the general public in Western China: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives

Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to pharmacovigilance centers is a common and inexpensive method of ADR detection. Although China requires patients to report ADRs directly, the reporting rate is extremely low. We assessed public knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding pharmacovigilance in Shaanxi Province, China.

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the KAP of the general public regarding pharmacovigilance was designed and distributed in selected locations throughout Xi’an. The data were double input and statistical methods were used to analyze questionnaire responses.

Results

Knowledge scores among consumers regarding pharmacovigilance was low. Women and respondents in younger age groups had high knowledge scores. Over 85.0% of respondents had a positive attitude toward ADR monitoring. Most respondents said they would voluntarily report ADR to medical personnel, and 85.1% said they would report ADRs with easier policies. Further, 89.1% of respondents preferred reporting ADRs by phone or online whereas 10.9% preferred email or post. Regarding reasons for not reporting ADRs, 57.8 and 43.6% of respondents, respectively, did not know to whom to give feedback and felt that ADRs were not serious enough to report. Respondents had difficulty with portions of the ADR reporting form addressing drug information and description of ADR signals.

Conclusions

The public has poor awareness about, but a positive attitude toward, pharmacovigilance. Unclear feedback pathways and lack of understanding about the seriousness of ADRs were the main reasons patients did not report ADRs, and respondents had difficulty with parts of the reporting form. The government should publicize the importance of ADR monitoring and develop more suitable forms and measures for patients to report ADR.

Keywords:

• Adverse drug reaction
• KAP
• pharmacovigilance
• Western China
• general public

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This work was supported by the Project of the National Social Science Foundation of China under Grant [number 18XGL019].

Declaration of financial/other relationships

The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this study. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all researchers who participated in the questionnaire survey in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.