ABSTRACT
Background:To study the prescription behavior of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) by physicians, gynecologists, and alternative medicine practitioners (AMPs). Materials and Methods?Close-ended questionnaire-based cross-section study was performed between 1st September 2012 and 28th February 2014 in three groups of responders, i.e., AMP, general medical practitioners (GMPs), and obstetricians and gynecologists (ObGy). A stratified random cluster sample was used. Data of 400 subjects in all three groups were obtained using both univariate and multi-variate sophisticated statistical analyses for analyzing attitude and practices and were recorded on an ordinal scale using appropriate non-parametric test. Results?Of the 1,237 subjects surveyed, 400 completed questionnaires were received from each of the three groups viz; AMPs, GMPs, and ObGy. Remaining 37 incomplete questionnaires were not included in the final analysis. Conclusion?There are equal misconceptions regarding OCPs among users and prescribing physicians. Preference for OCPs in married and unmarried women is also equally low. OCP usage and their prescription practices can be improved by removing potential barriers, developing public–private partnership, and training promoters.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Distribution of product samples is a typical and traditional marketing and promotion strategy used by pharmaceutical companies. However, issues have been raised about their influence on physicians' prescribing behavior and patients' health outcomes. @*Objectives@#This study aimed to determine the effects of the distribution of product samples on physicians' prescribing behavior and adherence to patients' treatment regimens. It also sought to provide policy recommendations on product sample distribution and the administrative order on pharmaceutical promotion. @*Methodology@#The study involved a descriptive design. The study sites were Manila City, Cebu City, and Davao City. Data were collected using focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and surveys among patients and physicians. Content analysis was performed to analyze qualitative data, while descriptive statistics and measures of association were conducted to analyze quantitative data. @*Results@#A total of four FGDs were conducted with one FGD for each stakeholder group, and 846 patients and 286 physicians answered the study questionnaire. About half (48.0%) of the patients received product samples; 75.8% had low medication adherence. Product sample distribution was not significantly associated with patients' adherence (p=0.150). The majority of the physicians (69.2%) received product samples. There was no significant association between product sample distribution and physicians' prescribing behavior (p=0.111). It was found, however, that the distribution of product samples was significantly associated with the other physicians' prescribing behavior (p=0.009). The issues identified included the influence of medical representatives on physicians' prescribing behavior, incapacity of the poor and marginalized population to complete their treatment regimen due to lack of supply of product samples, and mentality of patients that product samples have better quality.@*Conclusion@#This study emphasized that the regulation of product sample distribution was justifiable since this might negatively influence professional behavior affecting rational prescribing and the use of medicines. Furthermore, the distribution of product samples did not directly translate to increased patients' medication adherence. Should the distribution of samples be continuously practiced, the provision of product samples should be strictly followed, and the distribution should be regulated and monitored to prevent the occurrence of violative practices.
Subject(s)
Medication AdherenceABSTRACT
Irrational use of medicines is a major problem of worldwide. WHO estimates that more than half of all medicines are prescribed, dispensed or sold inappropriately, and that half of all patients fail to take them correctly. This incorrect use may take the form of overuse, underuse, and misuse of prescription or non- prescription medicines.And WHO ascribing that there are four common problems for irrational use;• Polypharmacy /use of too many medicines/• Overuse of antibiotics and injections;• Failure to prescribe in accordance with clinicalguidelines;• Inappropriate self-medication.This list estimates us an irrational use of prescription medicines is common problem of irrational use of medicine. And so there are many factors contributing irrational use of prescription medicines. But substantial factor is inappropriate unethical promotion of medicines by pharmaceutical companies. Most prescribers getmedicine information from pharmaceutical companies rather than independent sources such as clinical guidelines. This can often lead to overuse. Some countries allow direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicines, which may lead to patients pressuring doctors for unnecessary medicines.Many developing and developed countries ascribing that to protect the public health by assuring prescription medicine information is truthful balanced and accurately communicated.Irrational use of medicines and problem of pharmaceutical promotions are determined here in above by WHO and FDA.Our health care system can’t yet determine that “How to marketing promotion for prescription medicines affects prescribing behavior?” and how we can complete problems of promotions of prescription medicines.It is essential that under today’s circumstances this deficiencies are immediately identified and eliminated, and the directions for further course of action are appropriately determined.