Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF THE ATTITUDE AND KNOWLEDGE OF DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN PRINCE ABDUL-MOHSIN HOSPITAL IN ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA

Maher Albalawi* and Dalia Sharf Eldeen

Abstract

Introduction: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) have over time, received increased attention in various medical fields, due to desired or unwanted effects that they may have on patients. Recognition and identification of DDIs by healthcare professionals (HCPs) is essential in reducing the risk of drug-related problems, and a high cost of healthcare services, Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the attitudes and knowledge of DDIs among HCPs. We hypothesized that there is a significant weakness in the knowledge background of HCPs towards DDIs. Methods: A Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2018 until August 2018 in Prince Abdul- Mohsin Hospital. The questionnaire was divided into three sections (Socio-demographic characteristics - HCPs attitudes- HCP's knowledge of DDI). All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24. Results: The mean percentage of items answered correctly assessing the knowledge was 36%. The number of those who did not undergo training programs on DDI was 121(76%). 74 (46.3%) of the respondents had come across DDIs during practice. Textbooks were the most cited information source used by 68(42.5%) of the respondents. Conclusion: This study found out that there was a good HCPs attitude about DDI. However, the knowledge of DDIs by HCPs was poor. Inadequate training programs for DDIs in the hospital although the number of those who had come across DDIs during practice was high. Therefore, this required an improvement of up to date DDI information through reliable information resources for easy use. Improving continuous on-job training to help HCPs to recognize and identify clinically significant DDI.

Keywords: Healthcare professional knowledge, Drug-interactions, Cost analysis, Drug related problem.