Assessment of the Approach and Use of Medicines among Minority Communities in Kosovo

Session

Medicine and Nursing

Description

Introduction- Since Kosovo declared independence in 2008, it has made considerable progress in rebuilding the post-war healthcare system. However, the system continues to face major challenges, suchas insufficient funding, slow healthcare reforms, and tha lack of adequate services in certain regions. These groups often encounter difficulties due to social, economic, and cultural barriers, which affect access to and utilization of pharmaceutical therapies. Objective- This study has the objective to analyze the access and use of medicines by minority communities in Kosovo, focusing on the factors that help or hinder the use of medicines and healthcare services. The research is designed to provide valuable information that can help health policies to ensure fairer and more appropriate services for these groups, by promoting health equlity and social justice. Methodology- This study employs a quantitative, descriptive, and analytical design, utilizing a random sample of 300 participants from minority groups. This approach enables the identification of key influencing factors, including geographical, cultural, and economic barriers to medicine use. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire specifically designed to evaluate access, utilization, and experiences of minority communities in relation to medicines and healthcare services. Results- A total of 300 respondents participated in this study, all of whom were patients attending Primary Healthcare Centers in the municipality of Ferizaj. The data analysis revealed that 298 participants belonged to Roma, Ashkali, ang Egyptian communities, while only 2 participants were from the Bosniak community. Regarding the age distribution, the most represented age group was 31-45 years, with 83 participants, while the least represented age group was 18-30 years, with 65 participants. Furthermore, 206 of these patients stated that they have poor access to medicines in pharmacies operating within the primary healthcare system. Conclusion- In general, it is concluded that access to medicines and healthcare services for minority communities in Kosovo remains limited anf often inadequate to meet the real needs of these groups.

Keywords:

Minority communities, health equity, access, medicines

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.359

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

Assessment of the Approach and Use of Medicines among Minority Communities in Kosovo

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Introduction- Since Kosovo declared independence in 2008, it has made considerable progress in rebuilding the post-war healthcare system. However, the system continues to face major challenges, suchas insufficient funding, slow healthcare reforms, and tha lack of adequate services in certain regions. These groups often encounter difficulties due to social, economic, and cultural barriers, which affect access to and utilization of pharmaceutical therapies. Objective- This study has the objective to analyze the access and use of medicines by minority communities in Kosovo, focusing on the factors that help or hinder the use of medicines and healthcare services. The research is designed to provide valuable information that can help health policies to ensure fairer and more appropriate services for these groups, by promoting health equlity and social justice. Methodology- This study employs a quantitative, descriptive, and analytical design, utilizing a random sample of 300 participants from minority groups. This approach enables the identification of key influencing factors, including geographical, cultural, and economic barriers to medicine use. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire specifically designed to evaluate access, utilization, and experiences of minority communities in relation to medicines and healthcare services. Results- A total of 300 respondents participated in this study, all of whom were patients attending Primary Healthcare Centers in the municipality of Ferizaj. The data analysis revealed that 298 participants belonged to Roma, Ashkali, ang Egyptian communities, while only 2 participants were from the Bosniak community. Regarding the age distribution, the most represented age group was 31-45 years, with 83 participants, while the least represented age group was 18-30 years, with 65 participants. Furthermore, 206 of these patients stated that they have poor access to medicines in pharmacies operating within the primary healthcare system. Conclusion- In general, it is concluded that access to medicines and healthcare services for minority communities in Kosovo remains limited anf often inadequate to meet the real needs of these groups.