ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE (KAP) OF NUTRIVIGILANCE AMONG PHASE-2 MBBS AND POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL-A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: Nutrivigilance is a new concept in India. Several adverse drug reactions (ADRs) arising due to the use of Nutraceuticals are undermined and under-reported by prescribers. Spontaneous reporting of ADRs forms the backbone of Nutrivigilance. This paper will examine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nutrivigilance among medical students and postgraduate doctors and discuss the need, challenges, and opportunities for improving nutrivigilance in the future. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted between Phase-2 MBBS (UGs) and Postgraduates (PGs) of GMC, Ananthapuramu. The study tool was a validated questionnaire having 30 questions to evaluate KAP of Nutrivigilance. Data was collected in Google forms and was analyzed using SPSS 21 and P value<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The results revealed poor knowledge on Nutrivigilance (UGs-16% and PGs-14%). The Attitude towards Nutrivigilance was equally positive (92%, 94%) in the two groups. Practice on Nutrivigilance was 54% and 52%, respectively. There was no significant difference in KAP on Nutrivigilance between the UGs and PGs. Conclusion: UGs and PGs lack adequate knowledge and skill of reporting ADR, but both have a positive attitude towards Nutrivigilance programme. To increase awareness on the topic, Nutrivigilance and adverse reaction reporting of nutraceuticals must be added to the academic curriculum of undergraduate and postgraduates, thus improving the reporting and monitoring of ADRs by Nutraceuticals thus improving the health of the community.