Date of Conferral

7-30-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Daniel Jones

Abstract

Consumer affordability of prescription drugs is an ongoing problem in the United States. This study was undertaken to research the financial, physical, and economic effects of drug prices on consumers and the methods used by consumers to address such effects. Rational choice and power and politics theories were used to explain the decisions consumers make when they could not afford their medications and the role policies and politics play in drug pricing. The research questions concerned the relationship between consumers’ perceptions of drug pricing and their ability to purchase medications. The quantitative nonexperimental study involved the administration of a survey featuring selected questions from the 2019 KFF Health Tracking Poll. The sample size of 87 participants was comprised of individuals over 26 years old. All participants had to have their own medical insurance. Data was analyzed using chi-square test of independence to determine relationships between the categorical variables. Results showed no correlation between participants’ opinions on the price of medications and whether they were generic or should be purchased from Canada; however, participants did not believe drugs were priced fairly. There was a positive correlation between the cost of prescription and the use of drug discount programs. Policymakers and other stakeholders should consider the patient’s perspective when evaluating programs aimed at lowering the cost of medications, and they should seek to raise prescribers’ awareness of such programs. By doing so, policymakers and other stakeholders may be able to foster positive social change by providing financial, economic, and physical relief to consumers.

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