Perceptions of Kenyan adults on access to medicines for non-communicable diseases: A qualitative study

PloS One
Monica A OnyangoVeronika J Wirtz

Abstract

In Kenya, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 27% of all deaths. Adult Kenyans have an 18% chance of dying prematurely from cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or chronic respiratory diseases. A Novartis Access Initiative is making medicines available to treat cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and breast cancer in 30 countries, including Kenya. Little is known about patients' perceptions of access to medicines for NCDs in Kenya. The study objective was to understand patients' perceptions of access to medicines; as well as barriers and facilitators at the household, community, and healthcare system level. A baseline qualitative study was conducted in eight of 47 counties as part of an evaluation of the Novartis Access Initiative in Kenya. The 84 patients interviewed through a household survey had been diagnosed and treated for an NCD. Although medicines at government facilities were free or cheaper than those sold in private pharmacies, the availability of medicines presented a constant challenge. Patients often resorted to private pharmacies, where NCD medicines cost more than at public facilities. Participants with an NCD took their health seriously and strove to get the medicines,...Continue Reading

References

Jun 15, 2011·Lancet·Robert BeagleholeUNKNOWN Lancet NCD Action Group
Jan 1, 2011·BMJ Case Reports·Elisabeth De SmitPhilip Bloom
Mar 15, 2013·Patient Preference and Adherence·David F BlackburnMark Lemstra
Sep 6, 2013·The New England Journal of Medicine·Hans V Hogerzeil
Sep 27, 2014·Health Policy and Planning·Catherine E Vialle-ValentinDennis Ross-Degnan
May 8, 2015·Globalization and Health·Jane RobertsonDavid Beran
Jan 6, 2018·PloS One·Sujha SubramanianUNKNOWN East African Economics and Implementation Group (EAEIG)

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Citations

Jul 7, 2021·Journal of Community Genetics·Adrina ZhongHelen Dimaras
Nov 9, 2021·Health Systems and Reform·Zana Wangari KiraguVeronika J Wirtz

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Software Mentioned

Novartis
NVivo

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