Title:Detection and Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions Related to Antibiotics
in Primary Healthcare in Greece
Volume: 17
Issue: 3
Author(s): Mary Geitona , Aikaterini Toska*, Dimitra Latsou and Maria Saridi
Affiliation:
- Department of Social and Education Policy, School of Social Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece
Keywords:
Adverse drug reactions reporting, detection, antibiotics, physicians, primary healthcare, Greece, pharmacovigilance
Abstract:
Background: Detection of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is a challenging matter for
healthcare professionals who contribute significantly to the pharmacovigilance system through
their participation inspontaneous reporting.
Objective: The objective of this study was the detection and reporting of ADRs related to antibiotics
in primary health care in the region of Peloponnese.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all national health system primary health units
of the Peloponnese region in Greece. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a total of
404 physicians who provided services in these settings. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis
was performed using the SPSS 25.0. Levels of significance were two-tailed and statistical significance
was set at p =0.05.
Results: 306 out of 404 physicians responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of
75.8%. 81.6% of physicians stated that they rarely observe ADRs related to antibiotic administration
during their practice, 49.8% rarely report them, and 33.7% never report them. Non-serious
side effects (42.5%), physicians’ workload (24.1%), and the lack of knowledge about the reporting
obligation (20.6%) have been declared as the main reasons of non - reporting. In addition, physicians
with ≤10 years of clinical practice rarely reported that they experienced ADRs after antibiotics’
administration compared to those with more work experience and specialized physicians (p=
0.001).
Conclusion: ADRs reporting rates among physicians in primary healthcare are low. Changes in
physicians’ attitudes are vital and can be achieved through consistent and continuous training programs
as well as the inclusion of ADRs and pharmacovigilance themes into the tertiary education
curricula.
