Healthy Skepticism Library item: 10949

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Publication type: Journal Article

Vinker S, Eliyahu V, Yaphe J.
The effect of drug information leaflets on patient behavior.
Isr Med Assoc J 2007 May; 9:(5):383-6
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=PubMed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=17591379&ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The patient package insert, an information leaflet included by law in the packaging of prescription drugs, contains information for the user on the specific medication.

OBJECTIVES: To explore how patient information leaflets influence patient anxiety and adherence.

METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the practices of 15 family physicians. All patients receiving a new prescription for antibiotics, analgesics or antihypertensives were included. Physicians completed a questionnaire containing demographic data, assessment of the patient’s anxiety, a prediction regarding adherence to the treatment, and response to the information leaflet. Patients were contacted by telephone for a follow-up structured interview. Patients’ reactions to the information leaflet, adherence to treatment, and use of other sources of information on medication were assessed.

RESULTS: The study group comprised 200 patients. The patient information leaflet was read by 103 of them (51.5%). A higher educational level and a chronic medication were associated with reading the leaflet (P= 0.02 and 0.01 respectively). In 36 (34.9%), an increase in anxiety was reported after reading the leaflet. Among those who read the leaflet, 9.7% had decreased adherence. Patients who stated that reading the leaflet caused anxiety were more likely to reduce their use of the medication—7/36 (19.5%) vs. 3/67 (4.5%), P= 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of patients reading the drug information leaflet is about 50%, lower than that found in previous studies. Reading the leaflet did not greatly affect adherence but aroused anxiety and decreased adherence in some patients.

Keywords:
MeSH Terms: Adolescent Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use Anxiety/etiology Chronic Disease Drug Labeling* Educational Status Family Practice Female Humans Interviews Israel Male Middle Aged Pamphlets* Patient Compliance/statistics & numerical data* Patient Education* Prospective Studies Substances: Anti-Bacterial Agents Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal Antihypertensive Agents