Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7908

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Desselle SP, Aparasu R.
Attitudinal dimensions that determine pharmacists' decisions to support DTCA of prescription medication
Drug Information Journal 2000; 34:(1):103-114

Abstract:

Pharmacists’ attitudes toward direct to consumer advertising (DTCA) were assessed by a survey mailed to a randomized statewide sample of 500 Louisiana pharmacists. Results indicated that 59% of the pharmacists did not support DTCA. Analysis indicated that support of DTCA was independent of respondent demographics. Factor analysis revealed 4 underlying dimensions (action, disruption, knowledge, and market) explaining 53.4% of the variance in attitudes. Discriminant analysis was used to correctly classify 76% of respondents as supporters and nonsupporters of DTCA. It was concluded that pharmacists believe in the possibility of numerous entwined effects of DTCA, resulting in a complex composition of their attitudes.