Grant: Operating Grant

Many Canadians do not fill prescriptions, skip doses, or split pills in order to reduce their drug costs-a phenomenon known as cost-related nonadherence (CRNA). Prior research conducted by members of our team has shown that 1 in 10 Canadians are unable to afford their prescription medications. However, we have a very limited understanding about the characteristics of individuals who cannot afford their prescription drugs, what medications they are foregoing, what trade-offs they are making and how their decision making about drugs takes place. Our study will use surveys and patient interviews to investigate: (1) who currently experiences CRNA (province, age, gender, chronic conditions); (2) which prescription drugs are forgone (how often and how many); and (3) the trade-offs Canadians are making between prescription drugs and other important necessities such as food.