Public Awareness and Identification of Counterfeit Drugs in Tanzania: A View on Antimalarial Drugs
Joint Authors
Marwa, Karol J.
Mhando, Linus
Jande, Mary B.
Liwa, Anthony
Mwita, Stanley
Source
Issue
Vol. 2016, Issue 2016 (31 Dec. 2016), pp.1-8, 8 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2016-06-08
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
8
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
The illicit trade in counterfeit antimalarial drugs is a major setback to the fight against malaria.
Information on public awareness and ability to identify counterfeit drugs is scanty.
Aim.
Therefore, the present study aimed at assessing public awareness and the ability to identify counterfeit antimalarial drugs based on simple observations such as appearance of the drugs, packaging, labelling, and leaflets.
Methodology.
A cross-sectional study was conducted using interviewer administered structured questionnaire and a checklist.
Respondents were required to spot the difference between genuine and counterfeit antimalarial drugs given to them.
Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.
Results.
The majority of respondents, 163 (55.6%), were able to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit antimalarial drugs.
Respondents with knowledge on health effects of counterfeit drugs were more likely to identify genuine and counterfeit drugs than their counterparts (P=0.003; OR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.47–5.65).
The majority of respondents, 190 (64.8%), perceived the presence of counterfeit drugs to be a big problem to the community.
Conclusions.
A substantial proportion of respondents were able to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit antimalarial drugs.
Public empowerment in identifying counterfeit drugs by simple observations is a major step towards discouraging the market of counterfeit drugs.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Mhando, Linus& Jande, Mary B.& Liwa, Anthony& Mwita, Stanley& Marwa, Karol J.. 2016. Public Awareness and Identification of Counterfeit Drugs in Tanzania: A View on Antimalarial Drugs. Advances in Public Health،Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1096592
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Mhando, Linus…[et al.]. Public Awareness and Identification of Counterfeit Drugs in Tanzania: A View on Antimalarial Drugs. Advances in Public Health No. 2016 (2016), pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1096592
American Medical Association (AMA)
Mhando, Linus& Jande, Mary B.& Liwa, Anthony& Mwita, Stanley& Marwa, Karol J.. Public Awareness and Identification of Counterfeit Drugs in Tanzania: A View on Antimalarial Drugs. Advances in Public Health. 2016. Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1096592
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1096592