Assessment of Consumers' Awareness and Proposed Measures Against the Prevalence of Counterfeit Drugs in Developing Countries

Abstract

Background: Counterfeit drugs have been reported as the primary cause of increased morbidity and drug resistance in developing countries. However, consumers' awareness of the prevalence of fake drugs in developing countries remains unknown.Objectives: To assess consumers' awareness and the principal contributors of counterfeit drugs, propose measures to curb this menace in developing countries.Method: Data were collected using a questionnaire with 24 questions bordering on consumer awareness and measures taken by health professionals in combating the prevalence of counterfeit drugs. All the questions were fully completed by participants and submitted online. The data were analyzed using both deductive and inductive approaches. Results: It was observed that the level of awareness of counterfeit drugs among consumers varies across different countries. A high level of awareness was reported in countries with improved technology for combating substandard drugs, comparable to countries with lesser technology. The results show that pharmacy retailers and pharmaceutical industries are the major contributors to the prevalence of counterfeit medicines in developing countries. It was observed that consumers are exploring brand awareness and the physical appearance of drugs in the fight against counterfeit drugs.Conclusion: This study assessed consumers' awareness of counterfeit drugs in selected developing countries and proposed measures that the government can implement in the fight against counterfeit drugs. These measures and findings may be appropriate in designing awareness programs and developing a framework for monitoring pharmaceutical production companies and supply chains.

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Emerging Antimicrobial Drug Resistance in Africa and Latin America: Search for Reasons

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