Assessment of Need for Access and Affordability of Medication in an Underserved Population in Ghana.

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Background: Subsidized medication programs for disadvantaged communities in Ghana are either unreliable or non-existent. Due to a high cost of medicines, low-income earners have higher rates of non-adherence to medication therapy, resulting in poor health outcomes. There is a perceived need for access to medications in rural communities of Ghana. Objective: This study sought to identify community needs relating to cost and availability of essential medications. Methods: Randomly selected community members of Ejisu, Ghana, were surveyed on their income levels, access to essential medicines and opinions on affordability of medicines. Pharmacists surveyed provided input on developing a community-based drug formulary and factors influencing medication adherence. Quantitative data analyses was performed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 201 community respondents, 70% were female and 63% were between the ages of 18 and 40. Approximately 62% reported either primary or junior high school as the highest educational level attained, whereas 20% had no formal education. The monthly household income level reported by 61% of respondents was less than100 cedis ($25) a month. While 14% reported that they could only afford to purchase daily quantities of medication, 86% admitted that discounts would make medications affordable. Of 85 pharmacists surveyed, 94% identified a need for a community-based drug formulary for hypertension, diabetes and malaria. Approximately 95% of them agreed that subsidized medications would improve adherence. Conclusion: The study findings justify a need for strategies to enhance affordability and access to improve adherence and health outcomes in Ejisu, Ghana.