Role of Medicines of Unknown Identity in Adverse Drug Reaction-Related Hospitalizations in Developing Countries: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in a Teaching Hospital in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

ABSTRACT Introduction This is a cross-sectional knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) study on pharmacovigilance (PV) and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting among dental students in a teaching hospital in India. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the KAP of dental students regarding PV, ADR reporting, and barriers toward the same. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey using a selfadministered, investigator-developed, close-ended questionnaire was conducted in an academic dental hospital in India. All prescribers including third year students, final year students, and house surgeons of the same institute were included for assessment of KAP regarding PV using 16, 8, and 8 items respectively. Data regarding barriers toward ADR reporting and demographics were also collected. Mann–Whitney U-test and Kruskal–Wallis test were applied followed by post hoc test. Results A total of 241 of 275 respondents participated in the study with a response rate of 87.5%. Overall, 64% reported that they had no idea about the term PV. Age was significantly associated with knowledge (p = 0.045) and attitude (p = 0.016). Barriers contributing to underreporting were difficulty in deciding whether or not an ADR has occurred (52.0%), concerns that the report may be wrong (37%), lack of confidence to discuss ADR with colleagues (29%), and almost no financial benefits (24%). Conclusion Participants had a comparatively favorable attitude toward PV, but their knowledge and practice need considerable improvements. This study highlights the need for appropriate dental curriculum changes and further multicentric studies to shed more light on important issues of PV among dentists in India. Clinical significance This study explores dentists’ knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding PV, which could help to improve patient's safety and care. The favorable attitude of dentists is an indication that PV could be added in depth in the curriculum and in general practice. Information on barriers for reporting the ADRs could help to find possible solutions for removing the barriers precisely. How to cite this article Chhabra KG, Sharma A, Chhabra C, Reddy JJ, Deolia SG, Mittal Y. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reaction reporting among Dental Students in a Teaching Hospital, Jodhpur, India: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(10):964-969.

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Vaccine temperature management in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A nationwide cross-sectional study

Heliyon ◽

10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07342 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. e07342

Author(s):

Tomomi Kitamura ◽

Viraneth Bouakhasith ◽

Kongxay Phounphenghack ◽

Chansay Pathammavong ◽

Anonh Xeuatvongsa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Democratic Republic ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Temperature Management ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lao People’S Democratic Republic ◽

Lao People's Democratic Republic

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Revisiting Konzo Risk Factors in Three Areas Differently Affected by Spastic Paraparesis in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Discloses a Prominent Role of the Nutritional Status—A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082628 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2628

Author(s):

Marius Baguma ◽

Espoir Bwenge Malembaka ◽

Esto Bahizire ◽

Germain Zabaday Mudumbi ◽

Dieudonné Bahati Shamamba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Democratic Republic ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cyanide Poisoning ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Republic Of The Congo

This comparative cross-sectional study aimed to better understand the respective contributions of protein malnutrition and cassava-derived cyanide poisoning in the development of konzo. We compared data on nutritional status and cyanide exposure of school-age adolescent konzo-diseased patients to those of non-konzo subjects of similar age from three areas in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our results show that konzo patients had a high prevalence of both wasting (54.5%) and stunting (72.7%), as well as of cyanide poisoning (81.8%). Controls from Burhinyi and those from Idjwi showed a similar profile with a low prevalence of wasting (3.3% and 6.5%, respectively) and intermediate prevalence of stunting (26.7% and 23.9%, respectively). They both had a high prevalence of cyanide poisoning (50.0% and 63.0%, respectively), similar to konzo-patients. On the other hand, controls from Bukavu showed the lowest prevalence of both risk factors, namely chronic malnutrition (12.1%) and cyanide poisoning (27.6%). In conclusion, cassava-derived cyanide poisoning does not necessarily coexist with konzo outbreaks. The only factor differentiating konzo patients from healthy individuals exposed to cyanide poisoning appeared to be their worse nutritional status. This further suggests that, besides the known role of cyanide poisoning in the pathogenesis of konzo, malnutrition may be a key factor for the disease occurrence.

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