An Assessment of Public Perception of Online Pharmacy in Nigeria

Chijioke Maxwell Ofomata¹ and Hyginus Chinonso Otti²*

¹Department of Forensic Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
²Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Chijioke Maxwell Ofomata, Department of Forensic Sciences. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.64258/3069-7557.2025.103005

Submission Date: July 16, 2025

Published Date: July 26, 2025

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Abstract

Background: Online Pharmacy is a growing trend in Nigeria. The public perception of online drug purchase in Nigeria is mixed, with some consumers drawn to the convenience and affordability, while others are concerned about poor regulation, financial fraud, and the quality and safety of the medications they purchase. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate perceptions of online drug purchase in Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted among Nigerians on different social media platforms: Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook. A Google Forms questionnaire consisting of five sections was administered to the participants, then analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: A total of 137 people participated in the survey. Majority of respondents opined that the benefits of online drug purchase included convenience, a wide range of brands for selection, privacy, home delivery, and competitive prices. The risks they identified included receiving fake or adulterated drugs, financial fraud, lack of proper prescription, and unreliable delivery. 87.5% of respondents are not knowledgeable on how to safely purchase medications online. 78.3% of respondents said that social media was the most common source of fake drugs amongst online drug vendors. Conclusion: The study revealed that although many Nigerians had bought items online, few had bought medications online. The most common source of fake drugs is social media platforms. Many Nigerians do not know how to safely purchase drugs online and believe that online drug purchase is poorly regulated.

Keywords

Online Pharmacy, Public Perception, Convenience, Regulations, Fake Drugs, Consumer Safety

Citation

Chijioke MO, Hyginus CO (2025) An Assessment of Public Perception of Online Pharmacy in Nigeria. Ann Biotech & Biomed Sci 1(1): 1-8.