Factors Associated with Buying Medications Abroad by Nativity and Race/Ethnicity in the US

Abstract

Growing costs of prescription medication are leading to increased purchases of prescriptions abroad. Yet there is a research gap of factors associated with this practice by nativity and race/ethnicity. We analyzed the 2017 National Health Interview Survey (n = 26,488). The outcome was whether the respondent purchased prescription medications from another country to save money in the past 12 months. Predictors were drawn from Andersen's healthcare utilization model. We used logistic regression models to examine factors associated with purchases by nativity and race/ethnicity. Foreign-born and Hispanic respondents showed a higher rate of purchasing medications abroad compared to their US-born and non-Hispanic white counterparts. Foreign-born respondents who are uninsured, who have no usual place of healthcare, who have difficulty finding a doctor, and who have lived in the US for less than 10 years were more likely to buy medications abroad. Different racial/ethnic groups differed on associated enabling factors. Need factor was significantly associated only with Hispanics' purchase of medications abroad. Our research reveals the need for health education regarding the safety and the illegality of this behavior, especially among recent and Hispanic immigrants.