Global Variation Of Drug Usage Research Paper Examples

Variations in Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis Drug Usage

In an article published in the Online National Institute of Health, it is indicated that medication for various diseases plays a significant role in the current healthcare facilities. The article acknowledges the fact that medication issues have raised a considerable number of debates among medics and concerned stakeholders. These debates have focuses on variation of drug usage majorly as a result of costs, accessibility as well as the benefits attributed to the use of certain drugs. The article also acknowledges the fact that certain diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis are quite expensive to treat and their affordability varies from one region to another. Additionally, it indicates that medication for diseases considered a menace to the global populace have contributed to significant positive outcomes and have improved the quality of health care provision. Consequently, the research indicates that indeed variation in drug usage is an international issue and occurs within and between countries, especially for diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis.

International Variation in Dementia Drug Usage

Dementia is one of the diseases posing a major threat to the well-being of the global population. Ellen and Jennie 2014, assert in their research that variation in drug usage among dementia patients can be attributed to the difference in prevalence rates. In their research, they assert that Europe has approximately 7 million dementia patients, while US and New Zealand has approximately 3.9 million and 0.3 million respectively. This number also varies in the United Kingdom where the current number of dementia patients is approximately 773, 500. Additionally, their findings indicate that the variation in international drug usage among dementia patients has been facilitated by health systems, which encompasses policies, facilities, resources among others.

International Variation in Diabetes Drug Usage

According to Ellen and Corbett 2014, diabetes is among the leading health challenges affecting approximately 382 million people. This figures is expected to double by 2035; however, Ellen and Corbett acknowledges the fact that it is quiet challenging to come up specific data for individual countries indicating the burden of diabetes as a result of lack of comparable national registries. In an article published by the ABPI, variation of drug usage among patients can be attributed to the fact that certain countries such as the United Kingdom are still using old drugs fr treating diabetes and cancer. On the other hand, the ABPI indicates that pharmaceutical price regulation is another critical factor that has had a significant influence on drug usage, thus causing the current high rate of variation.

Significance and Causes of International Variation in Drug Usage

According to a research article published by UK’s National Health Service, the causes for drug use variations are relatively complex. This complexity arises from the fact that the processes engaged in assessing international variation in drug usage are challenges and require a great sense of insight. One of the challenges experienced in the process of measuring international drug usage variation is limited access to high quality information. However, the NHS acknowledges the fact that information ascribed to international drug usage is crucial in various dimensions. To begin with, this information is critical in the process of assessing the quality of health service provided in a country or a region. National Health Service also acknowledges the fact that international drug usage variation information is pertinent for policy makers i.e. for purposes of formulating solutions to identified challenges. According to Ellen Nolte and Jennie Corbett, the variations experienced in international drug usage for diseases like anemia, cancer, diabetes and dementia cannot be attributed to single factors like medical expenditure, coverage acts and funding. However, in their research, they assert that a multiplicity of these factors have a significant impact on the international drug usage variations that are currently experienced.
Analysis

Work Cited

Nolte, Ellen, and Jennie Corbett. International Variation of Drug Usage: An Exploratory Analysis of the Causes of Variation. Santa Monica, Califf: RAND Corporation, 2014. 1-79. Print.
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Alghamdi, Ali Saad Ali. "Global Variation in Diabetes Drug Usage." Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism (2013). Print.
 
Khan, Farhan, Sheikh Nizamuddin, Najmul Huda, and Hitesh Mishra. "A Prospective Study on Prevalence of Adverse Drug Reactions Due to Antibiotics Usage in Otolaryngology Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India." International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology: 548. Print.
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Romero, J. "International Drug Usage Variation among Cancer Patients." Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (2014): S28. Print.
 
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