FACTORS RELATING TO THE DECISION TO RECEIVE DRUG REFILLS AT DRUGSTORES OF CHRONIC DISEASE PATIENTS IN NONTHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to study the factors related to the decision to receive continuous medication services at drugstores by chronic disease patients in Nonthaburi Province. Data was collected through a survey of 424 patients proportionate to the number of chronic disease patients at each hospital from March to May 2021. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. The study found that the majority of respondents were female (74.1%), with an average age of 57.58 ± 7.80 years old. Most had completed high school or vocational education (24.3%), were homemakers (43.9%), had universal healthcare coverage (58.3%), and had hypertension disease (53.8%). Most (75.5%) made the decision to receive medication services with certainty. Age, education level, occupation, and health coverage were significantly related to the decision to receive medication services (p-value < 0.001, < 0.05, < 0.05 and < 0.001, respectively). Satisfaction and quality of service, travel costs, and waiting time per visit at the hospital were significantly related to the decision to receive medication services at drugstores (p-value < 0.001, < 0.01, and < 0.01, respectively). The presence of a pharmacist, trustworthiness, and quality of service at the pharmacy, as well as waiting time and opening hours of the pharmacy, were also significantly related to the decision to receive medication services at drugstores (p-value < 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Patients had expectations regarding the location, equipment, activities, and service process at the pharmacy. In conclusion, the majority of patients decided to go or go for the service, which can help to reduce congestion in the hospital. Therefore, it is important to take into account the factors that influence such decision-making when implementing this service.