Question

Tabulate the factors that can affect drug response on the following cultural groups:
A.   Asians
B.   Hispanics
C.   Africans
D.   Native Americans

(subject: Pharmacology)

Answer 1

Factors that can effect drug response on the following cultural groups :

1. BIOLOGICAL FACTORS-

• Genetics
• Age
• Sex

Genetics play a major role in effecting the drug response.Genetic makeup of an individual influence the drug action by changing its pharmakokinetics.Variations in drug response are due to gene polymorphisms.

Age and sex also effect the drug response.

2.ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS-

• Diet
• Climate
• Alcohol and smoking
• Pollutants
• Parasites

Sometimes there is also interplay between environmental and genetic factors.For example ,relationship between G6PD deficiency and malaria.Person with G6PD deficiency will have protection against malaria caused by p.falciparum.

3.CULTURAL FACTORS/PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS:

• Attitudes
• Beliefs

Ethnic and cultural perceptions and beliefs play role in the patients adherence to or understanding of drug treatment.

Example :African-American patients more likely to be over diagnosed as having psychotic illness and treated with neuroleptics.

ALL THE ABOVE FACTORS EFFECT THE DRUG RESPONSE BY ALTERING THE BELOW PEOCESSES:

• Drug absorption
• Distribution
• Metabolism
• Excretion
• Its site of action
• Effect of the drug