Equity in access to non-communicable disease medicines: a cross-sectional study in Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Wealth-based inequity in access to medicines is an impediment to achieving universal health coverage in many low-income and middle-income countries. We explored the relationship between household wealth and access to medicines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Kenya.

Methods

We administered a cross-sectional survey to a sample of patients prescribed medicines for hypertension, diabetes or asthma. Data were collected on medicines available in the home, including the location and cost of purchase. Household asset information was used to construct an indicator of wealth. We analysed the relationship between household wealth and various aspects of access, including the probability of having NCD medicines at home and price paid.

Results

Among 639 patient

SUBMITTER: Rockers PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6035514 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature