Assessment of consumers’ awareness and ability to identify counterfeit drugs in developing countries in Africa – a cross sectional study based on online survey

Abstract Background: Counterfeit drugs have been reported as the primary cause of increased morbidity and drug resistance in developing countries. However, consumers' awareness of the prevalence of fake drugs in developing countries remains unknown. Objectives: To assess consumers' awareness and the principal contributors to counterfeit drugs, and propose measures to curb this menace in developing countries. Method: Data were collected from participants from July 2020 to September 2020. In the questionnaire, there were three sections: (1) sociodemographic data; (2) knowledge about counterfeit medicines; and (3) ability to identify counterfeit medicines, rated on a five-point Likert scale. Sociodemographic factors and counterfeit medication identification rates were assessed using both deductive and inductive approach. Results: The study involved 365 participants. Out of which only 115 participants (29.6%, 95% CI ) reported to always confirm the authenticity of drugs they consume. It was significantly more likely that participants with older ages (p = 0.016), singles (p = 0.001), Nigerians (p = 0.001), and Ghanaians (p = 0.019) could identify counterfeit medications correctly. A significant number of participants said they would check the certification of medications (p = 0.015) and report counterfeit medications to authorities (p < 0.0001). Nigeria recorded a high level of awareness, which may be due to the high response rate by participants from Nigeria and improved technology for combating substandard drugs. Conclusion: This study assessed consumers' awareness of counterfeit drugs in selected developing countries and proposed measures that the government can implement in the fight against counterfeit drugs.