Abstract

Background: With the advancement of the use of technology, media, and use of internet promotion of drugs has been increased. Pharmaceutical manufacturers spend vast amount of money on promotion usually through medical representatives by providing printed advertisements. However, it has been seen that these printed advertisements are not up to the mark; usually, they either overemphasize the efficacy or hide the safety profile for the sake of company’s profit. All these promotional activities influence the prescribing pattern of doctors. Aim and
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness about the drug promotion literature concept among the 2nd year undergraduate students at a tertiary care teaching hospital Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences Ballary.
Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective cross-sectional prevalidated questionnaire-based study conducted in the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Ballary. A total of 150 2nd year undergraduate students were enrolled and instructed to fill the questionnaire forms. These filled forms were collected and data were analyzed.
Results: Among respondents, 69 (71.81%) of the respondents have chosen Indian Pharmacopoeia as a trusted source of information followed by others. The most common factor affecting the prescribing attitude was reported as updates from clinical trials 69 (70.40%) followed by the prescriber’s knowledge. Conclusion: The most important intervention taken to stop misleading drug promotional activities has been reported as the formulation of strict regulation by the health-care authorities against any misleading promotion. Promotional activities by manufacturers influence the attitude and prescribing pattern of doctors. Hence, it is important to teach the students about their rational use and critically analyze them.