Patient Preference and Adherence (Nov 2022)
Perceptions with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus of the Value of Prescribed Medications Among Malaysian Adults: A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Ming Chiang Lim,1,2 Ernieda Hatah,3 Kay Chee Lai,1 Asdayati Buang,1,4 Tze Juin Koay,1 Wendy Jia Yii Sim,1 Suet Chee Ng1 1Pharmacy Department, Hospital Banting, Selangor, 42700, Malaysia; 2Pharmacy Department, Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Temerloh, 28000, Malaysia; 3Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia; 4Pharmacy Department, Hospital Sultan Ismail Petra, Kelantan, 18000, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Ernieda Hatah, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia, Tel +603-9289 7328, Fax +603-2698 3271, Email [email protected]: Previous studies show that customer loyalty and purchase intentions were influenced by perceived product value, but little is known about the factors that influence patients’ perceptions of the value of their subsidized prescriptions, when purchasing of medications were not required, and how these factors influence their medication adherence. Hence, this study aims to investigate perceptions of patients receiving subsidized medications regarding the value of their medication.Patients and Methods: This qualitative study involved semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a government district hospital in Selangor state, Malaysia between June to September 2019. Using purposive sampling, patients were identified at an out-patient pharmacy during prescription refill. They were asked how they perceived the value of their medication. Interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis.Results: A total of thirty patients were interviewed. Patients’ perceptions on the value of medications were influenced by several factors such as trust, how the medications impact on their physical and social well-beings, and the perceived sacrificed made when the medications were procured and used. Perceptions on medication values were influenced by the recommendation received from someone they trust such as their doctors or significant others. It was also influenced by their perceptions of how the medication helps to improve their disease symptoms and affect their religious and social activities. Other factors include the perceived worth of the sacrifices made to access and use the medication.Conclusion: Identifying factors that may influence patients’ perceived value of the medication may help improve healthcare practices.Keywords: value, medication, adherence, subsidies
