Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting in Bangladesh: Current Scenario, Barriers, and Strategies for Improvement

ABSTRACT

Background Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs worldwide. Pharmacovigilance systems play a crucial role in ensuring medication safety; however, ADR reporting remains inadequate in many developing countries, including Bangladesh. Objectives This study aimed to assess physicians’ knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding ADR reporting in Bangladesh and to identify barriers and possible strategies to improve spontaneous reporting. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between December 2018 and March 2019 among 50 physicians working in different hospitals. Data were collected using a predesigned structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, awareness, practices, attitudes, and perceived barriers related to ADR reporting. Data were analyzed descriptively and expressed as percentages. Results Although most physicians perceived ADR reporting as a necessary and professional obligation, only a small proportion had ever reported an ADR. Major barriers included a lack of knowledge regarding reporting procedures, unavailability of reporting forms, lack of time, and insufficient clinical confidence. Most physicians supported compulsory ADR reporting. Conclusion Despite positive attitudes toward ADR reporting, awareness, and actual reporting practices among physicians in Bangladesh remain inadequate. Strengthening training programs, simplifying reporting systems, and increasing institutional and governmental support are urgently needed to enhance pharmacovigilance and patient safety.

KEYWORDS

• ADR Reporting
• Adverse Drug Reaction
• Bangladesh
• Pharmacovigilance
• Physicians

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

• DOI10.5530/jppcm.20260375Copy

RELATED ARTICLES

Matched on section and article type within this issue of JPPCM.

• Article · VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza Type A/B Viruses among Acute Respiratory Patients in Khartoum Hospital, SudanRawia. O. Adam, Tasneem. M. Khalifa, Omklthoom. M. Elameen, Sanaa. M. E. Ahmed, Abdel Rahim M. El Hussein, Khalid. A. Enan · pp. 97–101Original ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2When a Cure Becomes the Crisis: A Rare and Severe Adverse Drug Reaction to Fluoroquinolones Causing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in an Elderly MaleHemalatha Ganjala, Uzma Aafreen Shaik, Mohana Kollipara, Ramya Jyothi Padigala, Jayasri Dimmiti, Ram Nageswara Rao Gajula, Kiran Sravya Yasam, Dileep Kumar Vinnakota, Vijaya Bhaskar Jirra, Lavanya Korikani · pp. 119–122Same type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis: A Case Report from Chennai, IndiaR. Kirthika, S. Keshavini, Leena Muppa · pp. 123–127Same type: Article