Knowledge of Drug Information Resources among Students of College of Pharmacy and Nursing, University of Nizwa in Oman

Background: Drug information is all information provided on the safe and effective use of therapeutic and diagnostic pharmaceuticals. Health providers require information resources for therapeutic decision support, implementation, and monitoring of outcome, thus, improve the quality of care, enhance the use of evidence-based treatments, maintain and updated knowledge. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge of drug information resources and the type of drug information resources that are commonly used by students of College of pharmacy and nursing at the University of Nizwa, Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Questionnaires in both Arabic and English language were distributed among the first and final year students of pharmacy and nursing students in University of Nizwa. Descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Questionnaires were distributed to 200 students of pharmacy and nursing. (4% male, 96% female). As students, the enrolled sample showed that 40% gain the knowledge about drugs through their instructors. The majority of students (37%) used tertiary resources for searching drug information. The main reasons for the respondents to search for drug information are because of study purpose, curiosity about the medicine and examination which made up 51%. Conclusion: Up to date information about medicine are necessary for practicing the profession of pharmacy and nursing. The study managed to find that the students had enough knowledge about drug information resources which will make them capable of valuing the evidence-based practice. However, they showed that their classical way of getting information is through books and main reasons were because of study purpose, curiosity about the medicine and examination. Interestingly the students of pharmacy and nursing showed similar responses. Establishing drug information resources knowledge among students is crucial for better practice in the future.