Veronika J Wirtz1, Edson Serván-Mori2, Ileana Heredia-Pi1, Anahí Dreser1, Leticia Ávila-Burgos1. 1. Centro de Investigación en Sistemas de Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. 2. Centro de Investigación en Evaluación y Encuestas, Dirección de Economía de la Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze medicine utilization and expenditure and associated factors in Mexico, as well as to discuss their implications for pharmaceutical policy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of a sample of 193,228 individuals from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012. Probability and amount of expenditure were estimated using logit, probit and quantile regression models, evaluating three dimensions of access to medicines: (1) likelihood of utilization of medicines in the event of a health problem, (2) probability of incurring expenses and (3) amount spent on medicines. RESULTS: Individuals affiliated to IMSS were more likely to use medicines (OR=1.2, p<0.05). Being affiliated to the IMSS, ISSSTE or SP reduced the likelihood of spending compared to those without health insurance (about RM 0.7, p<0.01). Median expenditures varied between 195.3 and 274.2 pesos. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with the use and expenditure on medicines indicate that inequities in the access to medicines persist.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze medicine utilization and expenditure and associated factors in Mexico, as well as to discuss their implications for pharmaceutical policy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of a sample of 193,228 individuals from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012. Probability and amount of expenditure were estimated using logit, probit and quantile regression models, evaluating three dimensions of access to medicines: (1) likelihood of utilization of medicines in the event of a health problem, (2) probability of incurring expenses and (3) amount spent on medicines. RESULTS: Individuals affiliated to IMSS were more likely to use medicines (OR=1.2, p<0.05). Being affiliated to the IMSS, ISSSTE or SP reduced the likelihood of spending compared to those without health insurance (about RM 0.7, p<0.01). Median expenditures varied between 195.3 and 274.2 pesos. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with the use and expenditure on medicines indicate that inequities in the access to medicines persist.