• Yue Chen, Yuejin Wang, Ningsheng Wang, Yufang Xiang, Rui Zhang, Jizhen Xiao, Hanjun Liu, and Bianling Feng.
• Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shannxi, China.
• Curr Med Res Opin. 2021 Jan 1; 37 (1): 101-108.

ObjectivesSpontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to pharmacovigilance centers is a common and inexpensive method of ADR detection. Although China requires patients to report ADRs directly, the reporting rate is extremely low. We assessed public knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding pharmacovigilance in Shaanxi Province, China.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the KAP of the general public regarding pharmacovigilance was designed and distributed in selected locations throughout Xi'an. The data were double input and statistical methods were used to analyze questionnaire responses.ResultsKnowledge scores among consumers regarding pharmacovigilance was low. Women and respondents in younger age groups had high knowledge scores. Over 85.0% of respondents had a positive attitude toward ADR monitoring. Most respondents said they would voluntarily report ADR to medical personnel, and 85.1% said they would report ADRs with easier policies. Further, 89.1% of respondents preferred reporting ADRs by phone or online whereas 10.9% preferred email or post. Regarding reasons for not reporting ADRs, 57.8 and 43.6% of respondents, respectively, did not know to whom to give feedback and felt that ADRs were not serious enough to report. Respondents had difficulty with portions of the ADR reporting form addressing drug information and description of ADR signals.ConclusionsThe public has poor awareness about, but a positive attitude toward, pharmacovigilance. Unclear feedback pathways and lack of understanding about the seriousness of ADRs were the main reasons patients did not report ADRs, and respondents had difficulty with parts of the reporting form. The government should publicize the importance of ADR monitoring and develop more suitable forms and measures for patients to report ADR.

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