Evaluating Public Awareness and Reporting Practices of Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

This study evaluates the level of awareness and formal reporting practices of pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among the general population. We employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 300 respondents through a structured questionnaire via convenience sampling. The survey assessed awareness of ADR reporting, medicine safety knowledge, personal experiences with side effects, and subsequent reporting behaviors. The results indicated that 186 participants (62.0%) were aware of pharmacovigilance and ADR monitoring, yet formal reporting practices remained notably low, with only 128 respondents (42.7%) having formally reported an ADR to a healthcare professional. Doctors served as the primary source of pharmacovigilance information (34.0%), followed by pharmacists (25.3%), internet or media (23.0%), and friends or family (17.7%). Furthermore, 141 participants (47.0%) reported having personally experienced an adverse drug reaction. However, of these, a substantial proportion did not proceed with formal reporting, highlighting a critical disconnect between awareness and action. This research contributes novel evidence regarding the persistent gap between public knowledge and actual reporting behavior, a domain that remains underexplored in community-based settings. The findings underscore a significant need for targeted educational interventions and more accessible reporting systems to translate awareness into improved patient safety. Therefore, this study provides actionable insights for healthcare authorities and policymakers aiming to strengthen pharmacovigilance frameworks at the grassroots level.