Empirical studies assessing the perceptions and knowledge of medicine in Mongolia: A Nationwide Population-based study

What is it about?

The paper focuses on conducting an empirical study in Mongolia to assess the perceptions and knowledge of medicine within the population. The primary objectives include understanding the availability, affordability, patterns, and knowledge of medicine use among consumers. The study adopts a nationwide cross-sectional approach, involving 7532 participants, and follows the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines for cross-sectional studies. Key Findings: Quality Consideration: Almost half of the study population (46.3%) emphasizes the importance of quality when purchasing medicine. Average Spending: The average monthly spending on medicine in Mongolia ranges from 4.00 USD to 17.00 USD, indicating a varied financial burden on individuals. Prescription Drug Affordability: Nearly half of the population (47.8%) has skipped buying prescription drugs due to affordability issues. Perceived Drug Prices: A significant portion (47.4%) believes that the prices of drugs in the market are expensive. Pharmacy Stock: Surprisingly, 56% of the study population indicates that pharmacies do not have a sufficient variety and stock of drugs. Awareness about Falsified Medicine: A notable percentage (40.4%) lacks awareness about falsified medicine, pointing towards a potential gap in education by healthcare providers. Health Insurance Coverage: A substantial portion (30.4%) cannot buy discounted medicine covered by the health insurance fund, suggesting potential issues with coverage or awareness. Adherence to Doctor Instructions: A majority of the population (74.2%) follows doctor instructions when taking medicine, emphasizing adherence to prescribed regimens. Government Regulation Support: A significant portion (79.9%) supports government intervention in regulating drug prices, indicating a perceived need for external measures to control costs. Originality/Value: The study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into consumers' perceptions, patterns, knowledge, and affordability regarding medicines in Mongolia. Notable findings include gaps in education about falsified medicine, financial challenges faced by the population, and concerns about the availability of diverse medicine stocks. The results underscore the importance of addressing these issues to improve overall healthcare access and affordability in Mongolia.

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Photo by Patrick Schneider on Unsplash

Photo by Patrick Schneider on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The perceptions and knowledge of medicine in Mongolia holds significant importance for several reasons: Public Health Impact: Understanding how individuals perceive, access, and use medicine is crucial for public health. It directly impacts the well-being of the population and informs policymakers about potential health disparities and challenges. Affordability and Accessibility: The study sheds light on the financial burden individuals face concerning medicine. Identifying affordability issues and skipped prescription purchases highlights the potential barriers to accessing essential medications, which is vital information for healthcare policy formulation. Quality Concerns: The emphasis on quality during medicine purchases is critical for ensuring that the population is receiving effective and safe treatments. This insight can guide regulatory bodies in maintaining and improving pharmaceutical standards. Pharmacy Stock and Availability: The finding that a significant portion believes pharmacies lack a sufficient variety of drugs underscores potential gaps in the availability of essential medicines. This information is valuable for healthcare providers and policymakers aiming to enhance healthcare infrastructure. Falsified Medicine Awareness: The study's revelation about a lack of awareness regarding falsified medicines is essential. Addressing this gap is crucial to prevent public health risks associated with the consumption of counterfeit or substandard drugs. Government Regulation Support: The overwhelming support for government intervention in regulating drug prices indicates a need for policy changes. This information is valuable for policymakers, suggesting a potential area for intervention to ensure fair pricing and accessibility of medicines. Health Insurance Challenges: The study identifies challenges related to health insurance coverage for discounted medicines. This insight is crucial for health insurance agencies and policymakers to address gaps in coverage and enhance the effectiveness of health insurance programs. Prescription Drug Skipping: The high percentage of individuals skipping prescription drug purchases due to affordability issues raises concerns about treatment adherence. This information is vital for healthcare professionals to develop strategies to improve medication adherence and overall health outcomes. Contribution to Scientific Knowledge: Your study adds to the scientific knowledge base by providing empirical evidence specific to the Mongolian context. It contributes valuable data for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners interested in understanding healthcare dynamics and challenges in Mongolia.

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