Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4682

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

Chirac P, Pikon A, Poinsignon Y, Vitry A.
Drug marketing in French-speaking African countries.
Soc Sci Med 1993 Jun; 36:(12):1541-3

Abstract:

Pharmaceutical companies are often criticized for the quality of their drug advertisements in developing countries. The quantitative data we have collected on advertisements in Francophone African countries confirm these criticisms. In 1990, only 41 out of 141 advertisements published in 6 medical and paramedical journals aimed at Francophone health personnel in Africa conformed to French standards for accuracy and objectivity. Indications were absent from 5 (3.5%) advertisements and exaggerated in 42 (29.8%); side-effects were not mentioned at all in 37 (26.2%) advertisements and were incomplete in a further 20 (14.2%). Similarly, contraindications were absent from 30 (21.3%) advertisements and incomplete in 19 (13.5%). It is clear that pharmaceutical companies do not always follow a code of ethical conduct and that they frequently exploit the lack of effective controls in developing countries. This attitude creates a hazard to public health and tarnishes the image of the companies concerned.

Keywords:
*analytic survey/Africa/developing countries/France/journal advertisements/quality of information/International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations/IFPMA/ Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (IFPMA)/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: COMPARISON BETWEEN DEVELOPING AND DEVELOPED COUNTRIES/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS/PROMOTION AND HEALTH NEEDS: PROMOTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: COMPLIANCE, SANCTIONS, STANDARDS/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: INDUSTRY SELF-REGULATION

Notes:

Reprinted in: P. Chirac et al., Essential Drugs Monitor No. 17, 1994, pages 20-21
Methodology note: The reason for selecting the parts of the advertisements to analyze is not stated. The study does not state if the comparisons were made by a single reviewer or more than one. The methodology for making comparisons is not stated.