Awareness of Food and Drug Interactions Among Staff Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

Background: Food–drug interactions (FDIs) significantly influence drug effectiveness and patient safety by altering drug absorption, metabolism, distribution, or excretion, potentially resulting in therapeutic failure or adverse drug reactions. Nurses, as primary medication administrators, must possess adequate knowledge of FDIs to ensure safe and effective patient care. Objective: To assess the level of awareness regarding food–drug interactions among staff nurses working in a clinical setting. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. A total of 115 registered nurses were selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables and knowledge-related items on FDIs, including general awareness, drug–drug interactions, and timing of drug administration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests. Results: The findings showed that 68% of nurses had moderate awareness, 12% demonstrated good awareness, and 20% had poor knowledge of FDIs. The mean awareness score was 17.68 ± 2.98, with a mean percentage score of 57.05%. No significant association was found between awareness level and demographic variables such as education and professional experience. Conclusion: Most nurses demonstrated only moderate awareness of food–drug interactions, with notable knowledge gaps in drug-specific interactions and timing of administration. Targeted educational interventions are recommended to enhance nurses’ knowledge and promote safer, evidence-based medication practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing adverse effects.