Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Gyelwa Kuenzom ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University Gyelwa Kuenzom 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Gyelwa Kuenzom ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University Gyelwa Kuenzom
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Tarinee Buadit ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University Tarinee Buadit
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Cheerawit Rattanapan ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University Cheerawit Rattanapan
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Orapin Laosee ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University Orapin Laosee
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Substandard and Falsified Medical Products among Nursing Professionals in Bhutan |
| Public title | Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Substandard and Falsified Medical Products among Nursing Professionals in Bhutan |
| Background | The availability of safe, quality and effective medical products is critical for global health and achieving Universal Health Coverage under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. However, Substandard and Falsified (SF) medical products limits the access to safe medicines and progress toward the SDGs. SF medical products have been reported from all countries. Since 2020, there has been increasing global incidence, particularly in the South-East Asia region. Additionally, it is estimated that about 10% of medicines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are substandard or falsified As an LMIC, Bhutan faces similar challenges, with evidence of SF medical products in the national supply chain. Despite this, the role of frontline healthcare workers in detecting and reporting SF products remains under explored. Nurses, who are central to patient care and medication administration, are well positioned to identify, detect and report SF medical products. No study to date has assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of nurses regarding SF medical products in Bhutan. This study aims to assess nurses’ KAP using a cross-sectional survey. |
| Objectives | 1. To determine the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices on SF medical products among nursing professionals in Bhutan. 2. To determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice towards SF medical products among nursing professionals in Bhutan. |
| Study Methods | 1. Study Design The study will adopt a cross-sectional study design to assess the socio-demographic, knowledge and attitude determinants influencing the practices towards SF medical products. 2. Study area The study area will include healthcare centers across Bhutan ensuring representation from different levels of healthcare centers namely referral hospitals, 60, 40, 20 and 10 bedded hospitals, and Primary Healthcare Center (PHC)/Sub-post. 3. Sampling technique - Stratified proportionality allocation: All healthcare facilities will be stratified according to level of care. The total nursing workforce in each stratum will be used to determine proportional sample allocation. - Purposive and voluntary response sampling: Within each level of healthcare centers, purposive sampling was conducted for this study based on the population of nurses and the ratio of pharmacy to nursing professional. Voluntary response sampling will be used, whereby nurses willing to participant from the selected healthcare centers will be recruited. 4. Research instrument An online survey questionnaire will be used in this study. A Google Form will be developed for the purpose of this study. 5. Data Collection Procedure Data will be collected after obtaining ethical approval. Before the initiation of data collection, the District Health Officer of the selected Dzongkhag/District will be contacted. After the information, the online survey link will be disseminated. The survey link will include the informed consent form in the beginning, and only participants who provide consent will be directed to the questionnaire. 6. Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Both descriptive and analytical statistics will be utilized to address the research objectives. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | 1. Baseline KAP Data: Establish baseline information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals in Bhutan regarding SF medical products. 2. System and Policy Strengthening: Provide evidence-based insights for policies, training program and strategies to enhance awareness, detection and reporting of SF medical products. |
| Keywords | Substandard and Falsified medical products, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Nursing professionals, Reporting practices |
Research Details
| Student research | Yes |
| Institution: ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University | |
| Academic degree: Master | |
| Supervisor of the student(s) | |
| Full Name and title: Tarinee Buadit, Lecturer | |
| Email: tarinee.bud@mahidol.ac.th | |
| Start Date | 01-Mar-2026 |
| End Date | 01-Aug-2026 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Mahidol University |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes, with randomly selected geographical areas |
| Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Other (Medical product quality management) |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Other (Cross-sectional survey) | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |