Knowledge, Attitudes, and Awareness of Food and Drug Interactions (FDI) Among Nurses on General Medical Wards: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Food and nutritional supplements can interact with medication and cause drug interaction. Registered nurses play an essential role in patients’ safety related to drug interaction. Objective Explore nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding food–drug interactions (FDIs). Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses working in the general medical wards at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) in Qatar. The survey questionnaire comprised 50 multiple-choice questions, encompassing three key sections: (a) demographic details, (b) assessment of FDIs knowledge, and (c) exploration of beliefs, attitudes, and practices concerning FDIs. Results A total of 227 surveys were collected. Nurses’ average score for FDI knowledge across all responses was 20 out of 34 (IQR 16–25). Notably, there were no statistically significant differences in average scores based on respondents’ demographic subgroups. While nurses displayed a high level of knowledge (over 90%) regarding the timing of food and drug intake for proton pump inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and thyroid hormones, they exhibited limited awareness of the possible FDIs related to carvedilol and furosemide. Approximately half of the participating nurses (56.4%) rated their FDI knowledge as satisfactory. However, only 42.3% claimed to be always educating patients about FDIs in their daily practice. Two-thirds (67.4%) of respondents believed educating patients about FDIs should primarily fall under the responsibility of pharmacists. Conclusion This study highlights the nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of FDIs. Prompt intervention is required to enhance the nurse's awareness and knowledge in this domain which may impact patient care and drug safety.