Jordanians' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding adverse drug reactions reporting

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the general public knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) reporting and pharmacovigilance in Jordan. METHODS: A cross‐sectional study was conducted between July 16, 2022, and July 30, 2022, in Jordan. During the study period, an electronic survey consisting of 4 sections was administered to a convenience sample of Jordanians (aged 18 or above) using 2 social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp). Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the predictors of ADRs reporting by the participants. RESULTS: A total of 441 participants completed the survey. The majority of the participants (67.6%) were females, 53.1% between 26 and 45 years old. Almost all participants (96.3%) were always aware of the indication of the medications they take, the time and frequency (87.8%), and the duration of medications (84.4%). Nearly one-third of the participants (37.4%) asked about their medications' ADRs. However, the drug information leaflet was the most frequently used source of ADR information (33.3%). The majority of responders believed that both healthcare providers and consumers should report ADRs (93.4% and 80.3%, respectively). Only one-quarter of respondents (27.2%) believed that consumers could directly report ADRs through the Jordan pharmacovigilance program. The majority of patients who had experienced ADRs (70.3%) were aware that ADRs should be reported, and among them, 91.9% had reported the ADRs to healthcare providers. Furthermore, few participants (8.1%) reported it to the Jordan National Pharmacovigilance Centre (JNCP). Linear regression revealed that none of the demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, job, and social status) were affecting public reporting practice of the ADRs (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Respondents showed fair knowledge about adverse drug reactions and their reporting. However, there is a need to initiate educational activities and intervention programs to raise awareness about the JNPC, which will have a positive impact on public health and ensure safe medication use in Jordan.