Assessment of knowledge and perceptions of pharmacy students toward pharmacovigilance activities, and their predictors: a cross-sectional study in Palestine.

BACKGROUND

The development of Pharmacovigilance (P.V) systems in Palestine remains in its early stages, with limited national infrastructure and underreporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) posing ongoing challenges. Despite the growing global recognition of P.V as essential to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications, its integration into pharmacy education in Palestine is still insufficient. Bachelor's Degree of Pharmacy (BS Pharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) students in Palestine as future pharmacists involved in health care profession, play a pivotal role in P.V activities. However, current curricula often lack structured and comprehensive P.V training, leading to significant gaps in students' knowledge and preparedness. Also, researches concerning their knowledge and perceptions of P.V are still limited in Palestine.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the knowledge and perceptions regarding P.V activities among BS Pharm and Pharm D students in Palestine, and to evaluate influencing factors.

METHODS

Study design was cross-sectional; it was conducted from September to December 2024 across seven Palestinian universities. A structured, validated online questionnaire was administered among 412 final-year BS Pharm and Pharm D students. The questionnaire encompassed demographic data, assessment of knowledge regarding P.V and ADRs reporting, as well as perceptions of ADRs monitoring and reporting using a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V. 28). Thus, descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed using odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess knowledge, perceptions, and associated demographic factors. A P. value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Two thirds (67.5%) exhibited poor knowledge regarding P.V, with a mean knowledge score of 4.0 ± 1.3. Female students (OR = 1.698; 95% CI: 1.096-2.629), those aged 21-24 years (OR = 2.874; 95% CI: 1.767-4.675), and students who had prior exposure to P.V concepts (OR = 1.984; 95% CI: 1.182-3.332) demonstrated significantly better knowledge (p < 0.05). While majority of students (80.8%) recognized the importance of ADRs reporting, substantial gaps were noted in understanding specific practices, such as reporting ADRs from herbal medicines and knowledge of national P.V guidelines.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the need for structured integration of P.V education into BS Pharm and Pharm D curricula in Palestine. Addressing identified knowledge gaps and demographic disparities through targeted training programs can enhance students' perceptions and professionalism in P.V activities, thus, improving medication efficacy, safety, and health outcomes.