International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2012, 1, 4, 97-105.
Published: December 2012
Type: Research Article
Authors: Jyoti M. Benni, Jayanthi MK, Basavaraj R. Tubaki, and Renuka M
Author(s) affiliations:
Jyoti M. Benni1*, Jayanthi MK2, Basavaraj R. Tubaki3, Renuka M4
1Department of Pharmacology, KLEU’s JN Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India.
2Department of Pharmacology, JSS Medical College (Constituent of JSS University), Mysore, Karnataka, India.
3Department of Kayachikitsa. KLEU’s Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidhyalaya, Belgaum, Karnataka, India.
4Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College (Constituent of JSS University), Mysore, Karnataka, India.
Abstract
Background: Most of the food and drug interactions (FDI) remain unnoticed and under-reported due to either lack of proper history, follow-up or unawareness. Certain foods and specific nutrients in foods may affect the overall bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic efficacy of medications. FDIs occur due to extension of drug action or due to interaction between the drug and herbal medicines as well as dietary supplements and food products. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding the common FDIs among the doctors in their day-to-day practice. Materials and Methods: The survey included randomly selected 200 doctors divided into 3 groups [65 Professors, 83 Post Graduates (PGs), and 52 Interns] from JSS Tertiary Care Hospital, Mysore, India. Assessment was through an FDI Questionnaire which consisted of 32 questions (included dichotomous, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions). The differences between groups were compared using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s post-hoc test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean scores (mean ± SD) on the overall test were 26 ± 4.08, 22.89 ± 3.72, and 21.35 ± 4.2 for professors, PGs, and interns respectively, with 31 being a perfect score. Professors had good knowledge about FDIs compared to others (p < 0.001). Only 33% of participants have noticed FDIs during their practice. A majority of doctors had heard, felt it necessary to report, and update their knowledge about FDIs along with adequate patient counseling. Conclusion: The study showed professors had better expertise compared to others. Intensive FDI training and integration of knowledge among healthcare professionals, especially in the younger healthcare professionals, is a requisite.