Factors Influencing the Utilisation of E-Pharmacy Service in Ghana

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The integration of digital technologies into healthcare has revolutionized the way health services are delivered, with e-pharmacy services/platforms emerging as an essential component of this transformation. E-pharmacies facilitate remote access to prescription and over-the-counter medications, offering convenience, reduced transaction costs, and improved accessibility, especially for individuals facing geographical or financial barriers. Globally, the adoption of e-pharmacy services has accelerated, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for contactless and efficient pharmaceutical delivery systems. Although the concept has gained traction in high-income countries, its uptake in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana, remains limited and uneven. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the factors influencing the uptake of e-pharmacy services in Ghana, focusing on awareness, accessibility, and perceived benefits. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2024, involving 1,236 participants recruited through convenience sampling across all 16 regions of Ghana. Data were collected using a 39-item structured, self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA (Version BE 18; Stata Corp) to assess the association between socio-demographic factors, awareness, accessibility, perceived benefits, and the utilization of e-pharmacy services. Statistical significance was set at a 5% level (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 1,236 participants, comprising 583 (47.17%) males were involved in the study; 501 (40.53%; 95% CI: 0.38 - 0.43) had utilized e-pharmacy services and 1,173 (94.90%; 95% CI: 0.93 - 0.95) expressed willingness to use e-pharmacy services/platforms in the future. The analysis showed a statistically significant association between e-pharmacy utilization and participants age, religion, employment status, and region of residence, awareness, accessibility and perceived benefits regarding. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed that awareness (aOR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.48–3.13; p = 0.004), accessibility (aOR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.73–3.39; p < 0.001), and perceived benefits (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 2.03–4.09; p < 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of e-pharmacy utilization. CONCLUSION: Many participants demonstrated a fair level of knowledge and a positive perception of e-pharmacy services. Nearly all expressed a willingness to utilize such services in the future. However, to enhance uptake and equitable access, targeted interventions are recommended to improve awareness, particularly among individuals with lower educational attainment, those residing in rural areas, and populations with limited access to digital technology