Awareness of Drug-Drug Interactions among Patients Taking Multiple Medications at a General Hospital in Awka, Anambra State

Background: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) represent a significant and preventable source of medication harm, particularly among patients on polypharmacy regimens. Patient awareness of potential DDIs is a first line of defence against adverse events. This study assessed the level of awareness of drug-drug interactions among patients on multiple medications at a general hospital in Awka, Anambra State. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 patients receiving two or more concurrent medications at the General Outpatient Department of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital. A structured questionnaire explored general DDI knowledge, awareness of specific interactions, and sources of drug information. Results: Overall awareness of DDIs was low, with 69 percent of respondents unable to define a drug-drug interaction. Among patients on anticoagulants and NSAIDs, only 14 percent were aware of bleeding risk. Pharmacist counselling was the most effective source of DDI information (cited by 44% of aware participants). Age above 55 was negatively correlated with awareness (p less than 0.05). Conclusion: Patient awareness of drug-drug interactions in Awka is insufficient, particularly among older patients. Integrating systematic DDI counselling into dispensing workflows at hospital pharmacies is critical for patient safety. Keywords: drug-drug interactions, polypharmacy, patient awareness, Awka, medication safety