Knowledge and Awareness about Drug Food Interaction among Dental Students in Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Abstract
Drug-food interactions (DFIs) are a critical yet often overlooked aspect of patient care that can significantly impact the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments. These interactions occur when certain foods or beverages alter the absorption, metabolism, or excretion of drugs, leading to either diminished therapeutic effects or adverse reactions. For healthcare professionals, understanding the complex nature of DFIs is essential to optimizing patient outcomes. This knowledge allows for the identification of high-risk drug-food combinations and the implementation of preventive strategies, such as dietary modifications or timing adjustments of medication administration. The awareness of DFIs is particularly important in polypharmacy settings, where patients are frequently prescribed multiple medications. The growing prevalence of chronic conditions and the increasing use of both prescription and over-the-counter medications necessitate ongoing education and collaboration among healthcare providers to minimize the risks associated with DFIs. This paper explores the mechanisms underlying DFIs, highlights common drug-food interactions, and discusses the role of healthcare professionals in managing these risks to ensure safe and effective pharmacotherapy for patients.
Aim: To assess the knowledge and awareness of students regarding drug-food interaction
Objectives
1) To determine the knowledge and awareness regarding drug-food interaction among undergraduate dental students based on gender.
2) To determine the knowledge and awareness regarding drug-food interaction among undergraduate dental students based on year of study.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 dental students, comprising 83 males (27.7%) and 217 females (72.3%), including 87 first-year BDS students, 60 second-year BDS students, 67 third-year BDS students, 35 fourth-year BDS students, and 51 interns. The survey included 13 questions exploring the awareness, and perceptions, Of dental students on Drug-food interactions. Responses were analysed based on gender and year of study using chi-square tests to identify statistically significant differences.
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