Pharmco-Epidemiology and Social Pharmacy

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Browsing Pharmco-Epidemiology and Social Pharmacy by Author "Ayehu, Molla Teshager"

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    Access to Essential Psychotropic Medicines in Addis Ababa: A CrossSectional Study
    (Addis Ababa University, 2022-01) Ayehu, Molla Teshager; Prof.Fenta, Teferi Gedif; Prof.Araya, Mesfin
    Background: Mental disorders are becoming a growing public health problem worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. To provide quality mental health services, regular and adequate supplies of appropriate, safe and affordable medications are required. However, significant percentages of people with severe mental disorders are not getting the treatment. Availability and affordability of psychotropic medicines, amongst others, are the major barriers for many patients in meeting their medication needs. This study aimed to assess the availability, prices and affordability of essential psychotropic medicines in the private and public health sectors of Addis Ababa city. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in 60 retail medicine outlets. Quota sampling and purposive sampling was applied to select the retail outlets. Data was entered and analyzed by using the pre-programmed WHO/HAI workbook and SPSS version 25. Outcome measures were described as percentage availability, median price and median price ratios, and the number of days' wages needed to purchase medicines by the lowest-paid unskilled government worker. Finally, the results were presented as statements, tables, figures and graphs. Results: The mean availability of LPG psychotropic medicines was 24.33% in Addis Ababa (28.7% in the public sector and 19.80% in the private sector), and of OB medicines were 2.42 %( 2% in the private and 2.8% in the public sectors). Similarly, the public procurement prices for 16 LPGs ranged from 0.25-4.83 MPRs and the median procurement price was 0.96 MPR. The patient prices for the LPGs ranged from 0.52-6.43 MPRs in public and 1.08- 24.28 MPRs in private sectors. The patient prices for OB medicine were 5.21 MPR in public and 11.17 in private sectors. The cost of standard treatment varied from 0.1–7.8 days' wages in public and 0.8-25 days' in private sectors for the lowest-paid government worker to purchase a month's supply. Conclusions: Essential psychotropic medicines were poorly available with high prices and low affordability in Addis Ababa. To ensure access, an efficient supply across all levels of care and financial protection for key medicines should be in place.