Assessment of Perception about Adverse Drug Reactions among Healthcare Professionals and Public in Mysore City

The objective is to asses community pharmacists, nurses and patients' knowledge, behaviors and experiences relating to adverse drug reaction (ADR) in Mysore city, and to create awareness accordingly. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a selfadministered questionnaire. A sample of 51 community pharmacists, 52 nurses and 77 patients were studied in Mysore city. Posters and Pamphlets were used to create awareness. Results shows that 91% response rate was obtained. 44 (44.2%) of community pharmacists and nurses were familiar with the ADR reporting process. 53.8% of community pharmacists & 75% of nurses were aware of the seriousness of ADRs. As per the survey 51.94% of patients have experienced ADR in which 14.3% of them ignored the ADR. 11.7% of patients have reported ADR. 31.2 % of community pharmacists have prevented possible ADRs by verifying whether the patient fall into high-risk groups for developing ADRs. The majority of community pharmacists in Mysore city lack in knowledge of the ADR reporting process. Reasons for not reporting ADRs most importantly included lack of awareness about the method of reporting, misconception that reporting ADRs is the duty of physician and hospital pharmacist and ADRs are common and can be ignored. Pharmacovigilance authorities should take necessary steps to create awareness regarding seriousness of ADR in the Community.