Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health
ISSN: 3065-9078 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-9078
Tuaha Ayub, Aroosh, Ali Akhtar, Waqas Akram, Mahtab Ahmad Khan, Aqeel Majeed, Muhammad Rohan Shahjahan, Nayyer Shamim, Wajiha Arshad, Shehroz Ali , Saira Naeem, Sami-ul-Hassan and Hassan Irfan
Background Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting is a fundamental element of pharmacovigilance, playing a critical role in identifying, documenting, and preventing drug-related problems. Community pharmacists, due to their frequent interaction with patients and accessibility, are well-positioned to contribute significantly to the ADR reporting process. Despite the availability of formal reporting mechanisms in Pakistan, including systems established by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), underreporting remains a major challenge. This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of community pharmacists in Lahore regarding ADR reporting and to identify barriers that hinder their participation in pharmacovigilance efforts.
Methodology A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 120 community pharmacists operating in various urban areas of Lahore. The questionnaire, adapted from a validated Saudi Arabian study, included sections on demographics, knowledge of ADR processes, attitudes towards ADR reporting, actual reporting practices, and patient counseling behavior. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze the data (frequency and percentages).
Results The majority of respondents were young (85% aged 20–30) and early-career professionals (90.8% with 1–5 years of experience), with most holding Pharm-D degrees (91.6%). Although 62.5% of participants reported being familiar with ADR reporting, only 50.7% correctly identified DRAP as the relevant authority and just 46.7% were aware of online reporting platforms. Only 25.8% had ever reported an ADR, and significant barriers to reporting included lack of awareness (44.3%), not encountering reportable ADRs (12.5%), and absence of internal systems (11.4%). Patient counseling practices varied, with 55.8% routinely asking about pregnancy before dispensing high-risk medications and 43.3% frequently discussing potential ADRs. The most commonly encountered ADRs included gastrointestinal issues and allergic reactions, primarily linked to antibiotics and NSAIDs.
Conclusion The study reveals a concerning gap between knowledge and actual practice of ADR reporting among community pharmacists in Lahore. Although attitudes toward reporting are generally positive, the lack of structured systems, digital awareness, and professional training undermines effective pharmacovigilance. Addressing these gaps through targeted educational initiatives, implementation of streamlined reporting tools, and fostering a culture of interprofessional communication can significantly enhance ADR reporting rates. Strengthening the role of community pharmacists in pharmacovigilance is crucial for ensuring patient safety and improving overall healthcare outcomes in Pakistan.