Determination of knowledge and awareness about food-drug interactions among resident physicians at Trakya University Hospital

This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among resident physicians regarding food-drug interactions, highlighting their clinical importance. Additionally, it investigates the relationship of this knowledge and awareness with demographic characteristics, medical specialty, duration of clinical experience, and patient load, aiming to identify potential knowledge gaps and educational needs in healthcare delivery. The study was conducted between June 1 and August 31, 2024, through face-to-face interviews with 511 resident physicians working at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 43 items, including the Food-Drug Interaction Knowledge Assessment Scale (21 items), awareness questions directed to physicians, and sociodemographic data. Of the 252 participants, 50.8% were female and 49.2% were male, with a mean age of 29.3 ± 4.4 years. The average knowledge score of participants was 11.4 ± 4.2. According to knowledge level classification, 7.5% of physicians had low, 31.3% moderate, 44.4% good, and 16.7% high knowledge levels. In the study, no significant difference was found between knowledge levels and active professional duration, duration of residency training, or the average daily number of patients (p > 0.05). Knowledge levels and awareness were significantly higher among physicians in internal medicine departments (p < 0.05). Female physicians scored significantly higher on the total food-drug interaction knowledge scale (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between participants' awareness and their knowledge levels (r = 0.286, p < 0.001). Participants who had previous encounters with food-drug interactions had higher awareness and knowledge levels (χ²(3) = 9.525, p = 0.023). It is recommended to organize educational programs for physicians, increase case-based practical training, and develop guidelines to raise awareness in clinical practice. Keywords: Food-drug interactions, resident physician, awareness