An Analysis of Public Knowledge and Awareness of Counterfeit Medicine and Approaches to Minimise its Supply in Ireland
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Authors
Curran, Stacey
Issue Date
2023
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Introduction
Consumption of counterfeit medicine poses detrimental unpredictable risks to public health
and impacts public health globally. Counterfeit medicinal products have been seized in Ireland
by The Health Products Regulatory Authority HPRA, therefore the Irish public is at risk of being
exposed to such illicit products. Assessing the public’s level of knowledge and awareness of
counterfeit medicine and approaches of minimising supply will enable an analysis of this
problem to be performed. Research on the topic will highlight if the level of knowledge and
awareness requires improvement and the implementation precautions which would
contribute towards reducing supply.
Objectives
The main objective is to perform an analysis of public knowledge and awareness of
counterfeit medicine in Ireland. This research aims to assess factors which impact on level of
awareness. Risks associated with consumption and approaches of minimising supply will also
be identified.
Methodology
The primary data was collected from an online questionnaire and interviews whereby
pharmacists and health care workers were invited to participate. 116 participants from the
public in Ireland partook in the online questionnaire and two participants partook in a face
to- face interview. Overall, a total of 118 individuals participated in this cross sectional
research.
Results
This research highlights the requirement for raising the public level of knowledge and
awareness of counterfeit medicine. Factors such as level of education, social class, region of
residence, cultural practices, rates of employment and gender were all found to impact level
of knowledge and awareness. Research also found that avoiding the online purchase of
medicinal products through unverified sources would reduce supply of such counterfeit
products.
Conclusion
Counterfeit medicine is a threat to public health globally and more specifically Ireland. With
advances in technology and increased use of the internet, this is becoming a growing threat.
The public level of knowledge and awareness could be improved by raising awareness
through various campaigns and initiatives. Participation and backing from key stakeholders
and industry professionals in Ireland would be a vital input on raising public awareness.