ATTITUDE OF CHRONIC DISEASE PATIENTS TOWARDS THE COST OF THEIR PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS
Suleiman I. Sharif*, Tahleel G. Atatreh, Tala W. Hamadeh and Nagham F. Alawad
ABSTRACT
Background: Rapid modernization and urbanization in United Arab Emirates have been accompanied by the wide spread of the devastating Serious health problems. Objectives: The main objectives of the study are to identify drug regimens for some chronic diseases, their cost and affordability by patients and assess the relationship of cost, economic status of patients and compliance. Methods: Information on drugs available in UAE to treat diabetes, hypertension and asthma were collected. These include generic name, trade name, dose strength, dosage form, pack size and cost. Commonly prescribed generic drugs and prescribed regimen for comorbid patients with both diabetes and Hypertension were also collected. Personal interviews with pharmacists in hospital and community pharmacies were carried out plus a questionnaire distributed to patients with chronic diseases. Results: A total of 51 questionnaires were received. Most patients were holders of bachelor degree or higher and 21 (41.2%) participants were with a monthly income of 30,000 AED. Almost similar numbers of patients were suffering diabetes, hypertension, asthma and diabetes plus hypertension. Patients with an income of 30000 AED (20, 39.2%) and above were willing to buy their medications and 19 (37.2 %) patients with lower income stated that their decision to buy the medications will depend mainly on cost of the drug. Of the latter group 10 (19.6 %) patients were willing to buy the medications. Conclusions: The price of medications influences the patient’s decision to buy the medications and may negatively impact compliance particularly in patients with multiple prescriptions and low monthly income.
Keywords: Chronic diseases, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, generic medications, cost, economic status and compliance.
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