Awareness about pharmacogenomics among medical students in a tertiary care institute of western Rajasthan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55184/ijpas.v78i01.603Keywords:
• Genetic Variations • Pharmacogenomics • Cardiovascular Drugs • Drug Response • Statins • Antihypertensives, Medical Education, Bioinformatics, Genomic Sequencing, Molecular Profiling, Personalized Medicine, Predictive ModelingAbstract
Introduction: Pharmacogenomics, the study of genetic variations that influence drug responses, is a crucial component of personalised medicine. Despite its growing importance, integration into healthcare in India faces challenges, including limited awareness, restricted access to genetic testing, and inadequate infrastructure. This study aimed to assess knowledge and awareness of pharmacogenomics among undergraduate MBBS students at AIIMS Jodhpur. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in December 2024 using a self-administered, pre-validated questionnaire. The tool assessed sociodemographic details and pharmacogenomics knowledge. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 21. Results: Of 358 students approached, 324 completed the survey (response rate: 90.5%). The mean age was 19.6 years, and 71.9% of the participants were male. Most participants were aware of the basic concept (85.8%) and professional relevance (85.2%) of pharmacogenomics. However, knowledge gaps were evident: only 60.8% were aware of the USFDA pharmacogenomic labelling requirements, and 59% believed it could reduce drug development costs. While 80.9% supported its role in diagnosis and treatment, just 71.3% favoured its inclusion in the MBBS curriculum. Discussion: The findings indicate that students possess a strong foundational understanding of pharmacogenomics but have limited awareness of its clinical, regulatory, and economic implications. Similar studies from India and abroad highlight comparable gaps, underscoring the need for structured education. Integrating pharmacogenomics into undergraduate curricula through case-based modules and CME sessions could bridge deficiencies and enhance preparedness for precision medicine. Medical students demonstrated good baseline knowledge but lacked deeper insights. Strengthening curricular integration is crucial for equipping future clinicians to effectively apply pharmacogenomics in practice.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tarun Kumar, Gitashree Dutta, Pravesh Aggarwal, Vinoth Rajendran, Sneha Ambwani, Shoban Babu Varthya, Rimple Jeet Kaur, Prasanna Thirunavukkarasu, Jaykaran Charan
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