General Public and Community Pharmacists Perception on Counterfeit Medicines: A Preliminary Crosssectional Study in Qatar
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research - Year 2018, Vol 12, Issue 1
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: One major contributing factor to the prevalence of counterfeit medicines in a country is the lack of knowledge and awareness of the society. Information on general public and healthcare professionals awareness and vulnerability towards counterfeit medicines in developing countries is limited. Aim: To assess how the general public and pharmacists perceive counterfeit and substandard medicines and to evaluate their vulnerability level toward counterfeit medicines. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Qatar where a prevalidated questionnaire was used to collect information about: a) demographic characteristics, b) attitude, c) subjective norm, d) motivation, and e) behavioural intentions of pharmacists and public regarding counterfeit medicines on a Likert-scale. A total of 190 questionnaires were distributed conveniently to the public and community pharmacists. Chisquare and independent t-tests were used at p-value of 0.05. Results: One hundred ninety questionnaires were distributed to both community pharmacists and public, however, only 167 (87.8%) were collected which resulted in response rate. Most of the results of the survey (41 items) were not significant (p-value>0.05). Only questions about awareness towards counterfeit medicines, its societal consequences, the effect of price affordability and the effect of pressure exerted by relatives and friends on purchase intent of counterfeit medicines gave significant difference between public and pharmacists (p-value ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Overall findings suggested that there is no significant difference between pharmacists and public in the way they perceive counterfeit and substandard medicines. Both of them have the same susceptibility level toward counterfeit medicines. Both pharmacists and public have low-level of knowledge and moderate level of vulnerability to counterfeit and low-quality medicines.
Authors and Affiliations
Abubakr A Alfadl, Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim, Fatima A Maraghi, Khadijah S Mohammad
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP508975
- DOI 10.7860/JCDR/2018/28451.11136
- Views 41
- Downloads 0
Cushing Syndrome: Secondary to Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung
Abstract Cushing syndrome secondary to ectopic Adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) hormone secretion is an uncommon entity mostly caused by small cell lung cancer or bronchial carcinoids. It can be characterised by absence of cl...
Application of Curved MPR Algorithm to High Resolution 3 Dimensional T2 Weighted CISS Images for Virtual Uncoiling of Membranous Cochlea as an Aid for Cochlear Morphometry
Introduction: With the use of various surgical techniques, types of implants, the preoperative assessment of cochlear dimensions is becoming increasingly relevant prior to cochlear implantation. High resolution CISS prot...
Biochemical Markers of Liver Function in Smoking and Non-Smoking Alcohol-Dependent Males
ABSTRACT Introduction: Various biochemical parameters in blood have been proposed as biomarkers of alcoholism. There is paucity of studies on alcohol biomarkers of saliva, particularly in alcohol-dependent smokers. Aim:...
Vitamin D Deficiency in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
ABSTRACT Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency leads to defective mineralisation and in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can contribute to renal osteodystrophy. Aim: To compare the serum level of vitamin D in children with CKD...
Histopathological Changes in Skin after Electric Current Injury: An Autopsy Study
ABSTRACT Introduction: With the proliferation of electrical equipment and devices, there is a rise in deaths due to electrocution injuries. There may be allegations of electric burns either by way of accident or torture....