Intersectional analysis of patient information leaflets for neglected tropical diseases in Argentina

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in Argentina, yet the equity dimensions of patient information leaflets (PILs) for NTD treatments remain unexplored. This study analysed PILs of drugs available in Argentina for treating NTDs from an intersectional and health equity perspective using the PROGRESS-Plus framework.

A systematic documentary analysis was conducted on 139 PILs covering 13 endemic NTDs in Argentina, identified through official pharmaceutical databases (March-December 2024). A double-entry matrix recorded the presence or absence of equity content across adapted PROGRESS-Plus dimensions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics in Python.

Critical equity gaps were identified across all PROGRESS-Plus dimensions. Religion, education, menopause and transgender individuals were entirely absent from all PILs. Only 5% included race and ethnicity considerations and 14% provided sex-disaggregated clinical data. Contradictory information on pregnancy and breastfeeding was identified across manufacturers for identical drugs. Disability considerations appeared in <1% of PILs. Only 62.5% of World Health Organization essential medicines for selected NTDs were commercially available in Argentina.

PILs for NTD treatments in Argentina lack intersectional perspectives, creating barriers to equitable healthcare access. Regulatory reform of Argentina's PIL provisions and adoption of PROGRESS-Plus-informed standards are urgently needed to ensure that pharmaceutical communications serve all populations affected by NTDs.