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Background <p>Counterfeit and substandard medicines pose significant public health risks in Nigeria. Mobile Authentication Services (MAS) enable consumers to verify the authenticity of their medicine. This study assessed consumer knowledge and utilization of MAS in Enugu, Nigeria.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 401 pharmacy customers in Enugu metropolis using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to explore associations.</p> Results <p>Out of this (93.0%) respondents who were aware of MAS, only 21.0% had good knowledge, and 40.4% had ever used it. Barriers to utilization included lack of time (38.2%), insufficient information (33.9%), lack of knowledge (33.7%), and poor network connectivity (29.2%). A good knowledge of MAS was significantly associated with utilization (χ² = 42.490,<i>p</i>&lt; 0.001).</p> Conclusion <p>Awareness of MAS is high, but knowledge and utilization remain low. Enhancing consumer education, simplifying usage guidelines, improving network infrastructure, and engaging pharmacists are crucial for increasing the uptake of MAS and reducing counterfeit medicines.</p>

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Consumer knowledge and utilization of Mobile Authentication Services for counterfeit medicines in Enugu, Nigeria

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月26日

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  • Onyinye Hope Chime,
  • Ikemsinachukwu Mmaduabuchukwu Ofobeze,
  • Pamella Chinecherem Ogbe,
  • Chimdimma Favour Ofobeze,
  • Amechi Julius Odo,
  • Ebere Juliet Achi

摘要

Background

Counterfeit and substandard medicines pose significant public health risks in Nigeria. Mobile Authentication Services (MAS) enable consumers to verify the authenticity of their medicine. This study assessed consumer knowledge and utilization of MAS in Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 401 pharmacy customers in Enugu metropolis using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to explore associations.

Results

Out of this (93.0%) respondents who were aware of MAS, only 21.0% had good knowledge, and 40.4% had ever used it. Barriers to utilization included lack of time (38.2%), insufficient information (33.9%), lack of knowledge (33.7%), and poor network connectivity (29.2%). A good knowledge of MAS was significantly associated with utilization (χ² = 42.490,p< 0.001).

Conclusion

Awareness of MAS is high, but knowledge and utilization remain low. Enhancing consumer education, simplifying usage guidelines, improving network infrastructure, and engaging pharmacists are crucial for increasing the uptake of MAS and reducing counterfeit medicines.