Factors Influencing Access to Medicines in Nigeria: Views and Experiences of Residents of the Federal Capital Territory

Abstract

Access to medicines for Nigerians remains a critical factor influencing national healthcare. Currently, life expectancy at birth is under 60 years and is representative of other poor health indices. This indicates urgent need for improvement. This study therefore aimed at assessing public opinion regarding access to medicines, together with perceptions of the associated quality, both of the medicines, and of the service. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed to collect the relevant data from 650 randomly selected residents of Abuja between January and April 2012. The questionnaire was developed based on the themes that emerged from information and data collected from peer reviewed journals, online sources and official documents from the Ministry of Health. Face and content validation were carried out using an expert panel. Piloting was carried out and this did not result in any major changes. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and ethics approval was received from the National Assembly Management. Results: An 85% response rate was achieved with the majority of the respondents belonging to the female gender (53%). Three quarters (75%) of the respondents had confidence in the quality of medicines dispensed in government establishments, but more than half (58%) reported that prescribed medicines were not readily available.