The magnitude of sensitization of pharmacovigilance among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital – A questionnaire based study

Background: Pharmacovigilance (PV) is an evolving branch of medical education. It helps in identifying the negative effects of drugs and safeguards the public and patients from them. Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting will have an important role in enhancing the safer and smarter use of drugs among the population. Objectives: To study the magnitude of sensitization of pharmacovigilance among undergraduate medical students. To study the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Pharmacovigilance among the undergraduate students. Methods: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting were assessed among the undergraduate (UG) students before and after sensitization. Results: The study showed that undergraduate medical students have insufficient knowledge and awareness about Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. The sensitization program helped to enhance the knowledge and awareness about PV & ADR reporting among UG students. Conclusion: The inclusion of sensitization programs regarding drug safety during the undergraduate level along with their routine curriculum can help to strengthen the Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI)