Factors influencing adverse drug reaction reporting among patients in selected hospitals within Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Abstract

Background Although medicines have outstanding edges to the wellbeing of the general public, they still have the potential of actuating adverse drug reactions which are a significant reason for morbidity and mortality. The study aims to determine factors influencing adverse drug reaction reporting among patients.

Method This institutional based cross-sectional study was carried out within four selected health facilities in Kirinyaga County. Using a multistage sampling method, 360 patients were selected. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection. SPSS software was utilized to analyze data

Results Two hundred and sixty-four (73.3%) patients were unaware of the patient alert card. Two hundred and sixty-eight (74.4%) participants concurred that it was their responsibility to report ADRs. One hundred and fourteen (31.7%) respondents opined that reporting should be done to serious and life threatening ADRs. One hundred and sixty-six (46.1%) patients experienced ADRs. Among them, 145 (87.3%) reported ADRs to health professionals. Seriousness of the ADRs and change of regimen encouraged reporting whereas fear due to unfriendly doctors discouraged reporting.

Conclusion The findings highlight gaps in knowledge and practice regarding ADR reporting. There is need for: regular sensitization, availing patient reporting tool in addition to implementing direct reporting by patients. Further investigations should be done at a national level to fully identify determinants of patient ADR reporting.