Determinants of national drug products acceptance across patients, pharmacists, and manufacturers: A mixed method study

Abstract

Introduction The national pharmaceutical industry is pivotal for both the health sector and the national economy. This study aims to identify determinants of national drug products acceptance. The objectives of this study were to quantitatively measure the level of patient and community pharmacist acceptance of national drug products available in community pharmacies and to qualitatively explore the barriers facing national pharmaceutical companies and investigate the suggested solutions. Methods This cross-sectional study used an explanatory mixed method design. It was conducted in Baghdad, Iraq from July through October 2018. The study included two surveys (one for pharmacy customers and another for pharmacists) and thereafter semi-structured interviews of national pharmaceutical company owners/managers. The interview guide was developed based on preliminary quantitative results. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview findings. Results We received 123 patient surveys and 125 usable pharmacist surveys. We conducted seven interviews and stopped when we reached saturation. Integrated qualitative and quantitative findings showed that the main determinants of national drug product acceptance are product characteristics (namely price, packaging, brand, and availability), healthcare providers effect on product promotion and perceived effectiveness, and regulations enforced by authorities mainly the Ministry of Health. Conclusions Product price was the number one modulating factor in patient decision-making when purchasing a drug product. It appears that physicians and pharmacists are playing negative or at least neutral role in promoting national drug products and sustaining patients trust in national drug products. Current policies appeared to slow national drug industry growth and limit manufacturers’ ability to expand their share in the market. Manufacturer marketing efforts can help in gaining physicians and pharmacists support of the national drug product. Reforms to current drug policy and regulations were proposed by manufacturers.