IMPLEMENTATION READINESS, BARRIERS, AND ENABLERS OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY-BASED TRACEABILITY ADOPTION IN COMMUNITY PHARMACIES IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Oraekeyi Anthony Uchenna*, Peter Owonaro A. Owonaro, Nisiama Ekon-Emieyefa Kenneth

ABSTRACT

Background: While blockchain technology offers transformative potential for pharmaceutical supply chain traceability, its successful adoption depends on the structural readiness and adoption dynamics of the stakeholders who must implement it. Understanding these factors is essential for designing realistic implementation strategies in resource-constrained settings. Objective: This study assessed the implementation readiness of community pharmacists in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, for blockchain technology-based traceability systems and evaluated the barriers and enablers to adoption. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 119 superintendent pharmacists using a structured electronic questionnaire distributed via ACPN WhatsApp platforms. Readiness was measured across four indicators on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and chi-square tests in IBM SPSS v26.0. Results: Overall implementation readiness was below average (Mean = 2.70/5.0, SD = 0.84). A critical internal tension was identified: training willingness scored highest (Mean = 3.74), while infrastructure readiness scored lowest (Mean = 1.80), with 89.9% reporting inadequate internet and power supply. Staff digital literacy (r = 0.45, p < 0 xss=removed>

Keywords:

blockchain adoption, implementation readiness, barriers, enablers, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical traceability, technology acceptance, Nigeria.

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