KAP Analysis of the Materiovigilance Programme: A Comparative Study between M.Pharm and D.Pharm Students

Background

Materiovigilance is important for checking the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. There isn't much research on how pharmacy students understand and perceive about materiovigilance. To understand this study was conducted among M Pharm and D.Pharm students at KLE College of Pharmacy, Hubballi.

Materials and Methods

A cross sectional self-developed questionnaire-based study was conducted by using a set of 15 questions about knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of materiovigilance. The questionnaire was given to 183 students before and after an educational session. SPSS software was used to analyse the results.

Results

Both groups improved their knowledge after the session. D.Pharm students knew more initially, but M Pharm students caught up. In the view of attitude factor both groups felt more positive about materiovigilance after the session whereas D.Pharm students were more positive to start with. M Pharm students had a better view initially and their perception improved more after the session whereas D.Pharm students' perception slightly went low.

Conclusion

The educational session successfully enhanced both D.Pharm and M Pharm students' knowledge about materiovigilance. Initially, D.Pharm students had more knowledge and a more positive attitude, while M Pharm students showed a more favourable perception. However, after the session, M Pharm students' knowledge and perception improved significantly, catching up with their peers. In contrast, although D.Pharm students remained positive, their perception slightly decreased. This indicates that while the educational intervention was beneficial for both groups, there is a need for continued focus on improving perceptions among D.Pharm students.