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

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 < 0.01) and management support (r = 0.41, p < 0.01) were significantly correlated with adoption readiness. Resistance to change (42.9%) and high cost (35.3%) were the leading barriers, while user-friendly applications (42.9%) and mandatory regulation (36.1%) were the strongest enablers. Practice experience significantly influenced barrier perceptions (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Community pharmacies in Bayelsa State are not structurally ready for blockchain adoption, but a receptive attitudinal environment and strong professional motivation exist. Successful adoption requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder strategy simultaneously addressing infrastructure, capacity, regulation, and technology design.