Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6516

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: report

Prescription drugs: little is known about the effects of direct-to-consumer advertising
1994 Jul

Abstract:

Available research does not provide an adequate basis for determining what the effects-or likely effects-of direct-to-consumer advertising may be. Methodologically rigorous and systematic studies have not been conducted in this area. Also, there are no credible studies that permit conclusions to be drawn about the extent to which consumers and physicians support or oppose DTCA, or about the potential for changing attitudes following increased exposure to direct advertising. Nonetheless, rigorous studies of the effects of DTCA and knowledge of both physicians’ and consumers’ views about it are necessary components of regulatory policy in this area.

Keywords:
*systematic review/*government report/United States/direct-to-consumer advertising/DTCA/attitude toward promotion/ consumer behaviour & knowledge/ value of promotion/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: CONSUMERS/PATIENTS/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: HEALTH PROFESSIONALS/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE