Articles Vol. 66 No. 4 25/07/2025

16. PHARMACISTS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND CHALLENGES TOWARDS COUNTERFEIT MEDICINE IN HO CHI MINH CITY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Tran Minh Thanh1,2, Vo Thi Bach Hue1,2, Vo Quang Trung3,4, Doan Thao An3,4, Huynh Thu Nguyet3,4, Ngo Hoang Yen Nhi5,6, Ngo Dinh Nhan5,6, Tran Quang Thai7,8
1 Faculty of Pharmacy, Lac Hong University.
2 Khoa Dược, Trường Đại học Lạc Hồng
3 Faculty of Pharmacy, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine.
4 Khoa Dược, Trường Đại học Y khoa Phạm Ngọc Thạch
5 Department of Office, Ministry of Health.
6 Văn phòng Bộ, Bộ Y tế
7 Faculty of Pharmacy, Cuu Long University.
8 Khoa Dược, Trường Đại học Cửu Long
Corresponding author: trungvq@pnt.edu.vn
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v66i4.2878
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Keywords
Attitudes challenges counterfeit medicine Ho Chi Minh City knowledge.
Abstract

Background: Counterfeit medicines (CFM) cause serious health consequences, increase economic and social burdens and affect the reputation of national health systems. Understanding the importance of pharmacists, their level of knowledge, attitude and challenges of CFM and influencing factors is essential for effective CFM prevention solutions.

Objective: To survey pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes and challenges on CFM in Ho Chi Minh City.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 398 pharmacists in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2024. The study used an online survey questionnaire, attitudes and perspectives were responded to via a 5-point Likert scale, attitude questions were evaluated for consistency using Cronbach's alpha. Descriptive statistics and univariate regression analysis were used to analyze the data, with p < 0.05 indicating a statistical significance.

Results: The majority of pharmacists (64.1%) had received any training on CFM. The main sources of information about CFM were their practice and the media (67.6%). The majority of pharmacists had knowledge and understanding of CFM, and the mean score of participants’ attitudes towards CFM was 19.1/25. Poor cross-border enforcement was considered a challenge in CFM prevention. Years of experience, previous training and pharmacy ownership influenced the mean score of pharmacist attitudes.

Conclusion: The study revealed findings on pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude and challenges regarding CFM in Ho Chi Minh City. Strengthening the strength of the legal system along with close coordination of management agencies is an effective solution in preventing CFM.

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