Public awareness and utilization of the adverse drug reaction reporting system among residents of Dublin: a study of knowledge, barriers, and facilitators

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Sunil, Midhuna P
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2024
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Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) pose significant challenges to public health, necessitating robust pharmacovigilance systems to monitor and mitigate these risks. This study assesses public awareness and utilization of the Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Reporting System in Dublin, focusing on identifying barriers to reporting and evaluating the effectiveness of current educational campaigns. A mono quantitative approach, involving a structured online survey, was employed to gather data from 131 residents in Dublin. The findings reveal that 89% of respondents are aware of ADRs, but only 67% are familiar with adverse event reporting forms. Furthermore, demographic factors such as education level (71% of respondents had a master's degree or higher) and occupation (39% of participants were healthcare professionals) significantly influence knowledge and participation in ADR reporting. Despite the high level of general awareness, 33% of participants had never seen an ADR reporting form, highlighting a gap in effective public engagement. Substantial barriers to reporting include the perceived complexity of the process and limited awareness of where and how to report. Additionally, 78% of respondents are familiar with the term 'pharmacovigilance,' but only 56% have reviewed related regulatory documents. The study also found that existing educational campaigns are insufficient in significantly enhancing public engagement with the ADR reporting system. Recommendations include simplifying the reporting process, enhancing public education efforts, and increasing the visibility of ADR reporting channels. These improvements are critical for strengthening pharmacovigilance practices, ensuring better drug safety, and ultimately improving public health outcomes in Dublin.

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