Ototoxicity Awareness and Knowledge Among Medical and Allied Health Students in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Abstract Background Ototoxic medications are widely prescribed drugs capable of causing permanent damage to the auditory and vestibular systems. Healthcare students as future prescribers and clinical decision-makers must be equipped with adequate knowledge of ototoxicity risks. However, evidence from low-resource settings, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, on disparities in ototoxicity awareness between medical and allied health students is limited. This study compared the levels of awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards ototoxic medications among medical and allied health students at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at UHAS, Ho. Using purposive sampling, 100 medical students and 100 allied health students were recruited. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering ototoxicity awareness, knowledge of ototoxic drug classes, knowledge of clinical effects, risk-level assessment, and attitudes toward prescribing. Chi-square tests were used for categorical comparisons and independent sample t-tests were used for continuous variables, analyzed in SPSS version 20. Results Medical students demonstrated significantly higher ototoxicity awareness (82%) compared to allied health students (37%; p < 0.001). Medical students also showed superior knowledge of ototoxic drug classes including aminoglycosides (64% vs. 26%), antineoplastic agents (61% vs. 32%), loop diuretics (67% vs. 23%), and clinical effects such as permanent hearing damage (86% vs. 39%), tinnitus (59% vs. 23%), and ear pain (71% vs. 31%; all p < 0.001). Independent sample t-tests confirmed significantly higher perceived ototoxicity risk ratings among medical students for antineoplastic drugs, aminoglycosides and loop diuretics. No significant difference was found for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (p = 0.653) or antimalarials (p = 0.181). Conclusions Significant gaps in ototoxicity awareness and knowledge exist among healthcare students in Ghana, particularly among allied health students. These disparities likely reflect differential curricular exposure to pharmacology and clinical training. Targeted educational interventions, curriculum enhancement, and interprofessional learning initiatives are urgently needed to ensure all future healthcare professionals can identify, prevent, and manage ototoxic risks, thereby safeguarding patient auditory health.