Effects Of Cost On Pharmaceutical Availability Of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDS) Drugs

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Pharmaceuticals are essential in addressing the increasing burden of Non Communicable Diseases which are the leading cause of mortalities in low and middle income countries (LMIC’s). Pharmaceuticals account for a significant part of the economic costs of treatment budget of NCDs that have reduced the productivity of many individuals and increased poverty index particularly in LMIC’s who do not have an inclusive feasible health financial medical scheme. Few studies have been done which focused on the availability of essential medicines across African countries. This study therefore aimed to establish the effects of cost on pharmaceutical drug availability for the treatment and management of chronic patients in particular cardiovascular and diabetes conditions. Method: A descriptive survey design was adopted to capture satisfaction level and opinions of chronic on the NCD drugs availability at the University Health Services. The study utilized primary data from a cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaires from a sample of (N=89) patients. Questionnaires were self-administered to patients receiving treatment and care on cardiovascular and diabetes conditions to collect information on their satisfaction level of pharmaceutical availability at the University Health Services. Analysis: The dependent variable was pharmaceutical availability and had a multinomial response category that was coded in three levels (i.e never available =1, sometimes available =2, and always available =3). Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) using IBM SPSS ver.20 was used to determine the effects of the two predictor variables; type of drugs which was nominal in measure (i.e low priced generic drugs = coded 1 and high priced originator drugs =coded 2) and the drug dosing formulation which was also nominal in measure (i.e fixed dose combination therapy =coded 1 and single dose therapy =coded 2) on the pharmaceutical availability and “never available” used as a reference category. Results: Results of the study show that the type of drug prescribed as generic was significant (p<0.000) and had a stronger impact on pharmaceutical availability. The type of drug dosing formulation as fixed dose combination with a (p<0.051) had a slight impact on the availability of pharmaceuticals. The originator drugs and single dose therapy were redundant and did not have any significant impact pharmaceutical availability. Most patients preferred generic drugs which were sometimes and always available at the time of visiting the clinic. Conclusion: Pharmaceutical availability is imperative in the continuity of care and treatment of chronic patients. Making available of quality and low priced generic drugs will ease the cost burden associated with treatment and management of chronic conditions in our health facilities and significantly reduce disabilities and deaths in the country. . The results of this study can be used by the government, health planners and administrators to create a policy plan that will help in ensuring sufficient supply of NCD drugs used in the management and treatment of chronic patients.