Open AccessThe role of community pharmacists in monitoring adverse drug reactions in N igeria
Author(s) -
Osemene Kanayo Patrick,
Ayeni Mopelola Ibidunni,
Afolabi Margaret Olubunmi
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of pharmaceutical health services research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.244
H-Index - 15
eISSN - 1759-8893
pISSN - 1759-8885
DOI - 10.1111/j.1759-8893.2012.00100.x
Subject(s) - medicine , drug reaction , family medicine , descriptive statistics , adverse drug reaction , drug class , demographics , drug , pharmacology , demography , statistics , mathematics , sociology
Objectives To identify the common types of adverse drug reactions ( ADR s) detected and reported by community pharmacists in N igeria. In addition we examined the extent of community pharmacists' involvement in ADR activities and evaluated the factors influencing community pharmacists' role in monitoring and reporting ADR s. Methods The study was conducted among community pharmacists using a convenience sampling process. Verbal consent to participate in the study was sought during this initial contact. Structured and pre‐tested questionnaires made up of closed and open‐ended questions were given to the community pharmacists. Community pharmacists answered questions on demographics, the extent of their involvement in ADR activities, pharmacological class of drugs causing ADR s and number of ADR s detected and reported as well as the factors influencing their role in ADR activities. Key findings Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The response rate for the study was 92.7%. The extent of involvement of community pharmacists in ADR activities was low. A total of 41cases of ADR s were identified and reported. Variables that were significant at P < 0.05 and the study revealed that influences on community pharmacists' role in ADR activities were knowledge of ADR s (1.369), community pharmacists' experience (1.330) and patients' medical information (1.183). Conclusion Analyses indicated that all classes of drugs examined, including herbal medicines, caused ADR s. This is contrary to the widely held view that herbal preparations are non‐toxic in nature. Hence, this finding will elicit more interest in effective medication management and monitoring.