The influence of SARS-CoV-2 on the consumption trend of medicines and biosafety supplies in the Metropolitan District of Quito from 2020 to 2021

Abstract

This work aimed to determine how SARS-CoV-2 influences the consumption trend of medicines and biosafety supplies in the Metropolitan District of Quito from 2020-to 2021. For the methodology, a quantitative approach at a descriptive level was proposed, which included describing consumer behavior characteristics. The documentary and field research modality were used on a sample of 384 people who belong to the Economically Active Population (EAP) of the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ), to whom the structured survey technique was applied, with multiple choice questions. The information was compiled, processed, and presented in statistical tables and graphs, together with contingency tables, to appreciate the results according to the socioeconomic strata of the population. The results showed that the consumption of medicines and supplies increased by 7.26%, which was reflected mainly in the consumption of expectorants, antidepressants, antibiotics, analgesics, antiparasitic, and vitamin C. On the other hand, the most consumed supplies were masks, antiseptic alcohol, antibacterial gel, and examination gloves. Most of the respondents are in the income range of $ 401 to $ 600; 20% of them acquired the medicine by contagion, while 18% did so to preventively self-medicate. Given that the prices of these products increased, it is concluded that the vulnerable sectors were more strongly affected by the health crisis, being mainly the income range of the respondents the ones that most purchased these products. It is recommended to consider the information obtained to identify the most affected population characteristics and understand consumption trends in a crisis context.