title: Impact of training on Nigerian healthcare professionals' knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pharmacovigilance is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other possible drug related problem.. The effectiveness of this system revolves on the active participation of the healthcare practitioners. Poor knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance has necessitated training of healthcare professionals in different parts of Nigeria.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study are to determine the knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance amongst health professionals in Nigeria and the impact of previous training in pharmacovigilance on their knowledge and practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this descriptive cross sectional study, purposive and systematic random sampling method was used in selecting health facilities and health care practitioners respectively. Data were collected using a three-part peer-reviewed structured questionnaire administered through electronic mail (25) and self administration by healthcare professionals (316).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Respondents who had received training on pharmacovigilance had better knowledge of correct definition of pharmacovigilance (P = 0.001) and better theoretical knowledge and practice scores of pharmacovigilance (P = 0.001). Receiving quarterly newsletters was not significantly associated (p = 0.220) with improved knowledge of pharmacovigilance. Overall, knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance in Nigeria was still below average. The main challenges faced in the reporting and detecting of ADR were lack of awareness, poor communication, lack of continuity in training and poor funding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although training was associated with improved knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance amongst the health care providers studied, its overall impact was mild. Strengthened awareness creation and innovations in PV training methods are necessary to improve the efficiency of the program.
authors.affiliation: National Pharmacovigilance Centre, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Abuja, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Adeline
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Osakwe
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Oreagba
authors.forename: Adebowale J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Adewunmi
authors.forename: Abisola
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adekoya
authors.forename: Iretiola
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Fajolu
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D060735:Pharmacovigilance; D010820:Physicians; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Pharmacovigilance; adverse drug reaction; health care practitioner; knowledge and practice; spontaneous reporting