Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are crucial clinical challenges that lead to decrease effectiveness, unexpected side effects, or toxicity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) briefing note, a significant proportion of adverse drug reactions related to drug-drug interactions are preventable. In Palestine, the healthcare system faces unique challenges; including limited resources, restricted access to advanced clinical decision support systems, and evolving pharmaceutical education standards. No empirical research has evaluated DDI competencies among pharmacy students in West bank, Palestine. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of drug-drug interactions among pharmacy students in West bank, Palestine; assessed differences across academic years; and identified probable factors associated with increased DDI knowledge.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study with quantitative, descriptive, and correlational design. A total of 801 participants of Pharmacy students from Palestinian universities in the West Bank, Palestine. Self-administered and structured questionnaires were distributed which include: sociodemographic information, DDI knowledge, attitudes toward management, awareness of clinical significance, self-perceived confidence, and perceived barriers. Data analysis were carried out using SPSS version 27.0.
Results:
Participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding drug–drug interactions, with 62.2% positive responses and 37.8% negative responses. The largest proportion of participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge (40.7%). The mean attitude score toward DDI management was 3.22, indicating generally positive attitudes. The study showed a great majority of the participants (72.3%) were aware of the drug–drug interactions.
Age group was significantly associated with all the outcomes, including knowledge, attitudes, awareness, confidence, and barriers (
P
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Conclusions:
The findings of this study provides a baseline data on student’s knowledge, attitudes, and awareness toward DDI competencies among pharmacy students at Palestinian Universities. It is crucial to revise assessment standards, and teaching methodologies to boost Pharmacy graduates with knowledge crucial for preparedness for clinical responsibilities which reflects positively on community health in the country. To achieve this goal, strengthening DDI competencies during training courses is especially urgent and critical.