Patient Satisfaction With Medication Pricing in Community Pharmacy Settings: A Cross‐Sectional Study of Individuals With Comorbidities

ABSTRACT Objectives The affordability of medication is a crucial factor influencing individual adherence to prescribed treatments. Fluctuating medication prices at community pharmacies can negatively affect long‐term adherence and contribute to poor health outcomes. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate public satisfaction with medication pricing at community pharmacies and to explore public perceptions of Malaysia's medication pricing policies. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted nationwide using a validated questionnaire and convenience sampling over 1 year. Participants with at least one comorbidity who purchased medications from community pharmacies were included in the study. Results Of the 438 respondents, 385 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 198 females and 187 males, with the majority aged 21–30 years ( n = 121; 31.4%) and a mean age of 41 years (±15.8). Dizziness ( n = 26; 6.8%) and asthma ( n = 19; 4.9%) were the most common single medical conditions, while 73 respondents (18.96%) reported multiple conditions. Paracetamol ( n = 51; 13.2%) was the most frequently prescribed monotherapy, while Amlodipine with Metformin ( n = 6; 1.6%) was the most common combination therapy. The majority ( n = 287; 74.5%) could afford medications comfortably, but 25.5% ( n = 98) encountered challenges due to high costs, price discrepancies, and financial obligations. Most respondents ( n = 275; 71.4%) believed that community pharmacy pricing was fair, while 28.6% ( n = 110) disagreed due to high costs and inconsistencies. Overall, satisfaction with community pharmacy pricing was moderate (3.06 ± 0.93, p = 0.207). Conclusions Strict enforcement of pricing controls is essential in the country to ensure life‐saving medications remain accessible to all economic groups and to promote adherence to prescribed treatments.