Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of Patients’ Prescription Medication Sharing Practices

Abstract

Background: Prescription medications are essential for managing health conditions. However, when these medications are shared between individuals without medical supervision—a practice referred to as prescription medication sharing—it may lead to harmful outcomes such as incorrect dosing, drug interactions, and treatment delays. While medication sharing is widely reported internationally, limited research explores the perspectives of healthcare providers on this issue within specific cultural contexts, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to understand the views of healthcare providers on the reasons for and consequences of prescription medication sharing among Saudi Arabian adults. Methods: Forty-two healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and nurses licensed to practice in Saudi Arabia, participated in semi-structured, in-person qualitative interviews conducted in the Eastern Province. Recruitment followed a snowball sampling technique. Interviews continued until thematic saturation was achieved. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo 12 software. The analysis employed a hybrid approach, incorporating both inductive and deductive coding strategies. Results: Providers confirmed that medication sharing is a common practice involving a range of drugs, including analgesics, antibiotics, antidiabetics, and antihypertensives. Frequently cited drivers included convenience (74%), cost-saving due to financial hardship (40%), leftover medications (45%), limited access to medicines and healthcare services (60%), social influence (50%), and the need for emergency use or to maintain continuity of care (67%)—factors consistent with global literature. However, unique local factors also emerged, such as embarrassment related to gender norms (38%), mistrust of the healthcare system (33%), preference for specific brands (26%), and a low perceived value of free public medications (45%). Providers expressed concerns about the health and public safety risks of sharing, including adverse drug reactions, incorrect dosing, treatment failure, and antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion: Prescription medication sharing is prevalent in Saudi Arabia. While many motivations are globally recognized, others reflect sociocultural norms and healthcare system challenges unique to the Saudi context. Healthcare providers emphasized the need for public education, improved healthcare access, and culturally tailored strategies, such as campaigns to address stigma and national programs for safe disposal of unused medications. Interventions guided by frameworks like the Behavior Change Wheel may support safer practices and reduce harm.