OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUG USE, ADVERSE DRUG REACTION AWARENESS, AND PHARMACOVIGILANCE PRACTICES AMONG MIGRANT WORKERS AND COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are extensively used for self-medication because of their easy accessibility, affordability, and convenience. However, irrational and unsupervised use may result in adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug interactions, therapeutic failure, and other medication-related complications. Migrant workers constitute a vulnerable population with limited access to healthcare services, making them particularly susceptible to inappropriate OTC drug use. Community pharmacists play a pivotal role in promoting rational drug use and strengthening pharmacovigilance. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of OTC drug use and ADR awareness among migrant workers and to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of community pharmacists regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, validated questionnaire among migrant workers and community pharmacists. Information on demographic characteristics, OTC medication use, self-medication practices, ADR awareness, and familiarity with the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) was collected. Community pharmacists were additionally evaluated for their pharmacovigilance-related KAP. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.