European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF HEALTH STAFF TOWARDS SUPPLY CHAIN AND DRUG SUPPLY MANAGEMENT IN AKWA IBOM AND CROSS RIVER STATES

Stephen Chikezie Egenu, *Grace Ndifreke Aloysius

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of supply chain and drug supply management is well established in developed countries and
increasingly reported in developing settings; however, weaknesses in training, logistics systems, and institutional
support continue to limit efficient health commodity management in Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge
and attitudes of healthcare staff toward supply chain and drug supply management in selected health facilities in
Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among health
professionals involved in supply chain management (SCM) using a structured self-administered questionnaire, and
data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Most respondents were female (62.0%). The majority were aged
18–30 years (45.1%), followed by 31–40 years (27.5%), 41–50 years (17.6%), and 51–60 years (9.8%). Younger
respondents demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of SCM (P < 0.05). Pharmacists constituted the largest
professional group and were more involved in supply chain activities than other professionals. Although 72.5% of
respondents had heard of SCM, 74.0% reported no formal training. Overall, 60.8% demonstrated good knowledge
of the logistics cycle, while 39.3% did not. All purchasing and supply officers and storekeepers (100%) had good
logistics knowledge. In contrast, 44.4% of pharmacists, 25.0% of pharmacy technicians, 50.0% of nurses, and
50.0% of medical laboratory scientists lacked good SCM knowledge. Most respondents (87.8%) agreed that SCM
training would improve efficiency, although 57.1% were uncertain about organizational support for such training.
Despite reasonable awareness of SCM, substantial gaps in training, logistics capacity, and infrastructure persist
across facilities in both states studied.

Keywords: Supply chain management, Drug supply management, Health commodities, Logistics cycle, Inventory management, Logistics management information system (LMIS), Essential medicines.