Knowledge, use, and perception of Nigerians in Jos Plateau state on locally manufactured medicines.
Comfort N. Sariem , Henry Okeri , Rotkangmwa C. Okunlola , Victory O. Olutuase , Michael A 1 3
. Adeniyi , Jacob A. Kolawole
1. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria.
2. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City.
3.Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Corresponding author: Comfort N. Sariem
Email: sariemcn@gmail.com Telephone: +234 703 866 0501
ABSTRACT
Background: A core objective of Nigeria’s national drug policy is to ensure that over 70% of medicines used in Nigeria are produced locally. The view of the general public and their experiences encountered during the use of these locally manufactured medicines is important since they are the end-users.
Objective: To assess the knowledge level, use, and perception of Nigerians in Jos on locally manufactured medicines.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a validated structured questionnaire. After obtaining ethical clearance, four hundred questionnaires were distributed conveniently to Nigerians in Jos aged 15 years and above who gave written consent. Data were collated and entered into SPSS® version 20, where analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics with significance set at p< 0.05.
Results: The majority of the respondents were males (56.1%), residing in Jos North (60.7%), with a tertiary level of education (77.3%), and single (70.3%). The reliability score of the instrument was 0.63. About half of the respondents (55%) had moderate knowledge of made-in- Nigeria medicines. Location, educational level, occupation, reading the package insert even with a doctor’s prescription, price and its direct relationship to the quality of medicine, regulatory body controlling the price, name of the manufacturer, preference, and general satisfaction with the locally made medicines were significantly (p<0.05) associated with knowledge level.
Conclusion: Nigerians had a moderate knowledge level and use of locally manufactured medicines. Preference was more for imported medicines than locally made ones. Regulatory agencies should ensure the production of safe and efficacious drugs acceptable to the public.
Keywords: Knowledge, perception, locally manufactured medicines, Nigerians