Abstract

Oraekeyi Anthony Uchenna*

ABSTRACT

Counterfeit and substandard medicines remain a major global public health threat, with the World Health Organization estimating that up to 10% of medicines in low- and middle-income countries are falsified or substandard, exceeding 20% for some therapeutic classes in sub-Saharan Africa. Blockchain technology, with its decentralised, immutable, and transparent digital ledger architecture, has been proposed as a promising solution for strengthening pharmaceutical supply chain traceability, yet little is known about the readiness of community pharmacies in Nigeria to adopt it. This study assessed the knowledge, current practices, and implementation readiness of blockchain-based traceability for counterfeit medicine prevention among community pharmacists in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and examined the barriers and enablers influencing adoption. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a structured, validated questionnaire administered electronically through the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Bayelsa State Chapter. A total of 119 valid responses were obtained, exceeding the minimum sample size derived from Yamane's and Cochran's formulae, representing a 79.3% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests. Findings revealed that although 71.4% of respondents had heard of blockchain technology, mean knowledge scores across core blockchain concepts were uniformly low (1.26-1.72 on a 5-point scale), reflecting a substantial awareness-comprehension gap. Authentication practices were overwhelmingly manual, with 77.3% relying on visual inspection of NAFDAC numbers and only 9.2% using digital scanning; 68.9% of pharmacists had encountered suspected counterfeit medicines in the past year. Implementation readiness was below average (Mean = 2.70/5.0), driven by strong training willingness (Mean = 3.74) but deficient infrastructure (Mean = 1.80). Resistance to change and high cost were the leading barriers, while user-friendly applications and mandatory regulation were the strongest enablers. The study concludes that community pharmacies in Bayelsa State are not yet structurally ready for blockchain-based traceability, although a receptive attitudinal environment and strong professional motivation exist to support a phased transition. It is recommended that NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria develop a phased regulatory framework and integrate blockchain literacy into continuing professional development, that government prioritise infrastructure investment, and that technology developers design mobile-first, user-friendly, offline-capable systems, to enable a coordinated transition toward blockchain-enabled pharmaceutical traceability in Nigeria.