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Purchasing a quick fix from private pharmacies in the Gaza Strip

Author

Listed:
  • Beckerleg, S.
  • Lewando-Hundt, G.
  • Eddama, M.
  • el Alem, A.
  • Shawa, R.
  • Abed, Y.

Abstract

Increasingly, it is recognised by health planners and social scientists that self medication with drugs bought over the counter in private pharmacies is extremely widespread. Some anthropologists see this trend as an aspect of the 'commodification of health'. In this study, group interviews with health service users and providers in Gaza revealed many health service users reporting an inadequate supply of drugs resulting in the purchasing of drugs in private pharmacies. As a result, a survey of the pattern of utilization of three private pharmacies in three contrasting urban areas within the Gaza Strip was undertaken. Using a questionnaire, data were collected from all customers buying drugs. The results show that variations in the patterns of health seeking behaviour were associated with socio-economic status. Adult males were the most frequent customers of all three pharmacies. They were buying medicines for members of their nuclear family more often than for themselves. Overall, pain and influenza were the most commonly reported conditions. The drugs purchased most frequently for women were for reproductive health problems, particularly infertility. Customers of the pharmacy in the relatively prosperous area more commonly purchased drugs which were prescribed by a private doctor.

Suggested Citation

  • Beckerleg, S. & Lewando-Hundt, G. & Eddama, M. & el Alem, A. & Shawa, R. & Abed, Y., 1999. "Purchasing a quick fix from private pharmacies in the Gaza Strip," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 49(11), pages 1489-1500, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:49:y:1999:i:11:p:1489-1500
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    Cited by:

    1. Smith, Ron J., 2015. "Healthcare under siege: Geopolitics of medical service provision in the Gaza Strip," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 332-340.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Pharmacies Drug use Palestine;

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