BACKGROUND

Reporting of adverse drug events (ADEs), by consumers enhances medication-related risk surveillance, public awareness, and understanding of medicine safety. The aim of this study was to explore adults' awareness of ADEs, attitudes towards reporting and perceptions of their role in reporting ADEs in South Africa.

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study in which adults residing in South Africa completed an online questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

We received responses from 350 participants. Most participants (86.2%, n = 302; N = 350) reported having heard about ADEs and the majority of participants (94.4%, n = 301; N = 319) indicated that reporting of ADEs was important. The Med Safety App was not widely known (17.3%, n = 58; N = 336) while the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) was relatively well known (77.4%, n = 260; N = 336). Healthcare providers only educated 55.7% (n = 180; N = 323) of the participants about ADEs and only 50.5% (n = 163; N = 323) of the participants asked their healthcare providers about ADEs. Awareness regarding ADEs was significantly higher (p < 0.001) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) compared to non-healthcare professionals (non-HCP).

CONCLUSION

Most participants were aware of ADEs and agreed it was important to report ADEs although reporting tools, such as the Med Safety App, were not well known. We recommend awareness campaigns on reporting processes because this could improve consumer reporting of ADEs in South Africa.