User-Centered Evaluation of Secondary Pharmaceutical Packaging in Libya: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Secondary pharmaceutical packaging is essential for medication safety and patient adherence, yet its performance in resource-constrained, import-dependent markets such as Libya remains underexplored. This study systematically evaluated the quality, regulatory compliance, and usability of carton packaging under real-world conditions. A cross-sectional survey of 201 end-users was designed to examine public perspectives on the usability, readability, and safety of pharmaceutical cartons that are used as secondary packaging in everyday use to identify practical challenges. This study revealed substantial variability in material quality, with notable deficiencies in moisture resistance and structural integrity. Survey findings highlighted widespread readability issues due to small fonts and poor layout, alongside strong demand for multilingual labeling and tamper-evident features. These insights informed the development of seven prototype designs that integrate enhanced mechanical robustness, high-contrast graphics, and intuitive access features. The study demonstrates that an evidence-based, user-centered approach can effectively bridge technical performance with patient needs, offering a practical framework for safer, more inclusive pharmaceutical packaging in challenging market contexts