The Impact of Drug Pricing and Insurance Coverage on Medication Adherence in Saudi

Abstract

This study explores the complex interactions in Saudi Arabia between medicine costs, insurance coverage, and medication adherence. 250 individuals’ data were analysed, and significant relationships were found. With a significant coefficient of -0.773 (p = 0.006), high medicine prices were shown to be a significant barrier to medication adherence. On the other hand, complete insurance protection showed a favorable connection with adherence, highlighting its crucial function. The fact that 69% of the participants had health coverage and 31% did not highlights a sizable insurance gap. Males comprised 80% of the sample, 62% of respondents were in the 29–39 age range, and 56% had bachelor’s degrees. The income range showed that 43% made more than 20,000 SAR monthly. The significant effects of medicine cost and insurance coverage on medication adherence were highlighted by regression analysis (Beta = -0.749, p = 0.001, and 0.759, p = 0.006, respectively). These results highlight the criticality of addressing the affordability of prescription costs and advocating for open insurance programmes to improve healthcare outcomes in Saudi Arabia. Prioritising actions can help reduce costs and provide comprehensive coverage, say policymakers. This study emphasises the need for more research to dive further into the intricacies of healthcare accessibility, particularly in a healthcare environment that is continually expanding.