What can we learn from the public's understanding of drug information and safety? A population survey

Objective The aim of our study was to analyse the perceptions of the public on medicine information and safety and on consumer reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADR). Methods A voluntary survey was conducted in a population ≥18 years of age in Asturias, a region in northern Spain. The s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The International journal of pharmacy practice 2019-02, Vol.27 (1), p.96-104
Main Authors: Salgueiro, Esther, Gurruchaga, Cristina, Jimeno, Francisco J., Martínez‐Múgica, Cristina, Martín Arias, Luis H., Manso, Gloria
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Consumer behavior
consumer health information
Drug therapy
patient medication knowledge
patient safety
Perceptions
Side effects
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Summary:Objective The aim of our study was to analyse the perceptions of the public on medicine information and safety and on consumer reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADR). Methods A voluntary survey was conducted in a population ≥18 years of age in Asturias, a region in northern Spain. The survey was designed to be completed in a face‐to‐face street interview or completed independently by the public. The survey consisted of structured questions organised in four sections: (1) demographic data, (2) use of medicines, (3) reading and understanding of the patient information leaflet (PIL) and (4) awareness and perception about consumer reporting of ADR. Key findings A total of 402 surveys were given and analysed; 295 were completed independently and 107 were completed in street interviews. Of the population surveyed, 82.3% had taken some drug(s) in the previous 3 months, although only 62.4% had performed so by medical prescription. A quarter of respondents claimed that they never read the PIL of medicines, 12.7% that they sometimes read it, and 61.4% that they always read this information. A high percentage (82.8%) of respondents reported that they were not aware of consumer reporting of ADR, and 86.1% stated their agreement with this option. Conclusions The public has great interest in useful information about all aspects involved in the use of medicines. This includes consumer reporting of suspected ADR, which is still unknown to many people.
ISSN:0961-7671
2042-7174
DOI:10.1111/ijpp.12458