Statistical Overview of Drug Shortage in Syria

Abstract

Access to medications is a fundamental aspect of healthcare and vital for human well-being. Medicine shortages are widespread and impact countries across all income levels. This research aimed to monitor the characteristics of drug shortages in Syria through a distributed survey. 76% of the sample were females. 88.9% of the sample were 20-29 years old. A high percentage of the participants were single (86.6%). 62% were students. Pharmacy is the profession or field of study for most participants (83.4%). Half of the participants live in the city (51%). Most participants work at a local pharmacy. The majority (79.5%) have fewer than 5 years of experience. Most participants were well-informed about medication shortages and personally experienced the impact of this issue in their professional or personal lives. A shortage of baby supplies, specifically baby milk, was reported by 70.33% of the surveyed parents. Tablets and capsules are the pharmaceutical formulations that experience shortages most commonly. Shortages were reported in all categories of medications. Participants identified the shortage of raw materials and low profit margins as significant factors contributing to drug shortages. Further research into drug shortages in Syria is warranted to address this issue.