Patient’s Expectation Factor on Drug Dispensing Pattern of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of patient’s expectation on drug dispensing pattern of PPMVs. The study was a cross-sectional study design among randomly selected 389 PPMVs. A mixed (quantitative & qualitative) method of data collection was used. Data were collected, collated and analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 28.0), and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The majority (89.5%) of respondents reported that patient expectations moderately influenced their dispensing habits, and only a small percentage 6.9% felt patient expectations had little to no influence on their dispensing pattern. This is further buttressed by the Key Informant Interview with some of the PPMVs. The study further revealed that patient demand, among other factors such as peer pressure, financial incentives and regulatory pressure, acts as a barrier to appropriate dispensing. The vast majority (85.1%) of respondents considered patient demand for a specific drug as a moderate barrier to a more rational dispensing. Therefore, this study showed that patient pressure is a significant factor influencing the drug dispensing pattern of PPMVs. The study recommended the creation of enlightenment programmes on rational drug use starting at the grassroots level, and encouragement of care-seeking and consultation. Keywords: Patient’s expectation, Drug dispensing Pattern, PPMVs, Kwara,