Pharmacy Customers Research Articles

Knowledge and characteristics of herbal supplement usage among community pharmacy customers in a Malaysian population

ObjectivesWe investigated the knowledge and characteristics of herbal supplement usage of the customers of community pharmacies in a Malaysian population. Design and settingSelf-administered questionnaires (in English, Malay, or Chinese) were provided to customers at three community pharmacies in Malaysia (Ipoh, Perak). Questionnaire validation and translation validation were performed. A pilot study was conducted before actual questionnaire distribution. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. ResultsTotal number of participants was 270 (99 males and 171 females) with majority from the 31–50 age group (41.5%). Among the participants, 45.6% were herbal users. The most commonly used herbal supplements were evening primrose oil (17.9%), ginkgo biloba (13.0%), and milk thistle (8.5%). The participants seemed to have sufficient knowledge regarding herbal supplements including safety, quality, and indication of use from medical literature. Participants obtained information about herbal supplements from pharmacists (26.9%), package inserts (25.2%), friends (20.5%), and the Internet (13.3%) more often than from their doctors (9.8%). Most herbal users did not inform their doctors about their usage of herbal supplements (68.3%) or the side effects (61.5%). Herbal supplement users also tended to be women, >50-year-old, and those with higher monthly household incomes. ConclusionsCommunity pharmacists have a vital role in educating their customers about the safe use of herbal supplements. The participants had sufficient knowledge about herbal supplement usage; therefore, customers of these community pharmacies may have benefitted from the advice of the pharmacists. Further studies could be carried out in future on the knowledge, skills and roles of community pharmacists in the safe use of herbal supplements.

Factors affecting pharmacy engagement and pharmacy customer devotion in community pharmacy: A structural equation modeling approach.

Background:The concept of customer engagement and devotion has been applied in various service businesses to keep the customers with business However, a limited number of studies were performed to examine the context of customer engagement and devotion in pharmacy business which focus on the impact of customer perceptions about pharmacists, perceived quality of pharmacy structure, medication price strategy on pharmacy engagement and pharmacy customer devotion in a pharmacy providing pharmaceutical care to the customers.Objective:This study aimed to assess a conceptual model depicting the relationships among customer perceptions about pharmacists, pharmacy quality structure, medication price, customer engagement, and customer devotion. And also aimed to assess and measure if there is a direct or indirect relationship between these factors.Methods:A quantitative study was conducted by using self-administered questionnaires. Two hundred and fifty three customers who regularly visited the pharmacy were randomly recruited from a purposively selected 30 community pharmacies in Bangkok. The survey was completed during February to April 2016. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to assess the direct and indirect relationships between constructs.Results:A total of 253/300 questionnaires were returned for analysis, and the response rate was 84%. Only perceptions about pharmacist in customers receiving professional pharmacy services was statically significant regarding relationship with pharmacy engagement (beta=0.45). Concurrently, the model from empirical data fit with the hypothetical model (p-value = 0.06, adjusted chi-square (CMIN/DF)=1.16, Goodness of Fit Index (GFI)=0.93, Comparatively Fit Index (CFI)=0.99, and Root Mean Square Error Approximation (RMSEA)=0.03).Conclusion:The study confirmed the indirect positive influence of customer perceptions about pharmacist on pharmacy customer devotion in providing pharmacy services via pharmacy engagement It was customer perceptions about pharmacist that influenced customer retention, positive word of mouth and constructive advice to pharmacies, not quality of pharmacy structure and medication price. To create a long term impact on community pharmacy business, pharmacist is the key success factor.

Characteristics of first-time varenicline users \u2013 A cross-sectional study in Finnish quitters

BackgroundVarenicline is an efficacious medicine for smoking cessation (SC) but little is known about the characteristics of varenicline users. This study examined the characteristics of first-time (naïve) varenicline users in Finland and compared those who had previously used SC pharmacotherapy to those who were trying SC pharmacotherapy for the first time.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Finnish community pharmacies between February 2014 and January 2015. Pharmacy customers purchasing a varenicline starter package for the first time ever were asked to complete a questionnaire or to participate in a structured interview conducted by the pharmacist (identical questions). The questionnaire included questions about demographic characteristics, smoking habits, previous cessation attempts and factors associated with varenicline use.ResultsAltogether 98 people completed the survey. The majority were daily smokers (96%, n = 94), with a history of over 10 years of regular smoking (94%, n = 92), and a strong/very strong nicotine dependence (67%, n = 66). Half of the participants (54%, n = 53) were trying a SC pharmacotherapy for the first time. Demographic characteristics and smoking habits were similar between first-time and previous users of SC medications (p > 0.05). Health centers (42%, n = 41) and occupational health care clinics (37%, n = 36) were the most common sources of varenicline prescriptions. The majority of participants received the prescription for varenicline after mentioning their desire for quitting to a physician (70%, n = 69).ConclusionsConsidering the relatively large proportion of SC naïve medicine users among new users of varenicline, smokers who have previously been reluctant to quit smoking, to use other pharmacological SC interventions, or perhaps unaware of these options may be interested in attempting cessation with varenicline. Most participants made the initiative to discuss their smoking with the physician, which led to varenicline prescribing. This suggests that physicians may not satisfactorily recognize their patients’ nicotine dependence and desire to quit, and they should more actively support patients’ smoking cessation.

Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Kefarmasian terhadap Kepuasan, Kepercayaan, & Loyalitas Konsumen Apotek

There is a shift in the orientation of pharmacy services from the only drug management to the comprehensive service to patients (Pharmaceutical Care), In line with the development of science and technology in the field of pharmacy. Some of the factors that influence consumer loyalty are the satisfaction and trust. The method of this study was purposive sampling method spreaded on 120 respondents. The validity test of the questionnaire carried out by factor analysis and reliability test was conducted using Cronbach's Alpha. The data analyzed by using SEM-PLS (Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square). Results of this research showed that quality of pharmacy services has a positive effect (P-Value is 0.02 and the value of Path Coefficient = 0.369) to pharmacies consumer satisfaction. The quality of pharmacy services has a positive effect (P-Value of <.01 and the value of Path Coefficient = 0.292) to the pharmacy consumer trust. Pharmacy customer satisfaction has a positive influence (P-Value of <.01 and the value of Path Coefficient = 0.338) to the trust of pharmacies consumer. Pharmacy customer satisfaction has a positive influence (P-Value of <.01 and the value of Path Coefficient = 0.313) on consumer pharmacies loyalty. Trust of consumer pharmacies has a positive effect (P-Value of <.01 and the value of Path Coefficient = 0.381) on consumer pharmacies loyalty.

Pharmacy Interns’ Perception of Their Professional Role

Objective. To determine pharmacy interns' perceptions of the roles of the pharmacist and pharmacy prior to and during the pharmacy internship and to compare their perceptions with those of their supervisors and the pharmacy customers. Methods. Questionnaires were completed and submitted by 395 interns prior to and during their internships. Interns interviewed their supervisors and two to four local customers. Results. Ninety-six supervisors and 285 customers were interviewed. Interns' perceptions were aligned with those of their supervisors in that both groups indicated that a pharmacist's most important role is that of a clinical leader. Furthermore, interns' perception of customers' expectations regarding the pharmacy were well aligned with customers' actual expectations with regard to service. Conclusion. The study illustrates that interns became more aligned in their perceptions due to the pharmacy internship. The study findings imply that the pharmacy internship influences interns' perception of the pharmacy and pharmacist's roles in society through complex individual and social learning processes.

Reliability of self-reported recent antibiotic use among the general population: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aimed at evaluating the reliability of self-reported recent antibiotic use, including ability to name the antibiotic, among pharmacy customers from the general population. MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study of adults took place in pharmacies in northeastern France from January to April 2016. Participants were asked if they had used any antibiotics in the preceding 4 months and if so, to name them. Their reports were compared with an electronic pharmacy dispensing record listing all of the medication dispensed to them in France. ResultsThe study included 653 individual customers from 15 pharmacies. Antibiotics had been dispensed 325 times, according to the records, but the patients reported only 237 courses of treatment. Agreement between self-report and the electronic record about whether or not they had used an antibiotic was 80% (κ 0.60). Among the discordant responses, 57% (81/143) involved underreporting. Only 24% (79/325) of the patients could name the antibiotic for each course of treatment; 49% (160/325) could not. The multivariate analysis showed that patients who had purchased an antibiotic in the previous 30 days were 2.5 times more likely to know its name (p 0.01). ConclusionsParticipants' self-reports were relatively reliable for recent use of an antibiotic, but not for its name. Because physicians cannot base prescription decisions on these self-reports only, an electronic pharmacy dispensing file shared among prescribers would be useful.

Factors associated with efficacy of an ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine combination drug in pharmacy customerswith common cold symptoms.

SummaryAimThe aim of this study was to explore factors affecting efficacy of treatment of common cold symptoms with an over‐the‐counter ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine combination product.MethodsData from an anonymous survey among 1770 pharmacy customers purchasing the combination product for treatment of own common cold symptoms underwent post‐hoc descriptive analysis. Scores of symptoms typically responsive to ibuprofen (headache, pharyngeal pain, joint pain and fever), typically responsive to pseudoephedrine (congested nose, congested sinus and runny nose), considered non‐specific (sneezing, fatigue, dry cough, cough with expectoration) and comprising all 11 symptoms were analysed. Multiple regression analysis was applied to explore factors associated with greater reduction in symptom intensity or greater probability of experiencing a symptom reduction of at least 50%.ResultsAfter intake of first dose of medication, typically ibuprofen‐sensitive, pseudoephedrine‐responsive, non‐specific and total symptoms were reduced by 60.0%, 46.3%, 45.4% and 52.8%, respectively. A symptom reduction of at least 50% was reported by 73.6%, 55.1%, 50.9% and 61.6% of participants, respectively. A high baseline score was associated with greater reductions in symptom scores but smaller probability of achieving an improvement of at least 50%. Across both multiple regression approaches, two tablets at first dosing were more effective than one and (except for ibuprofen‐sensitive symptoms) starting treatment later than day 2 of the cold was generally less effective.Discussion and ConclusionsEfficacy of an ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine combination in the treatment of common cold symptoms was dose‐dependent and greatest when treatment started within the first 2 days after onset of symptoms.

Self-reported lifestyle changes in pharmacy customers: 'Ci sta a cuore il tuo cuore' 1-year follow-up

Self-reported lifestyle changes in pharmacy customers: 'Ci sta a cuore il tuo cuore' 1-year follow-up

Pharmacy customers’ experiences with the national online service for viewing electronic prescriptions in Finland

ObjectivesTo investigate (1) Finnish pharmacy customers’ familiarity with My Kanta, the national online service for viewing electronic prescriptions (ePrescriptions), (2) how commonly My Kanta is used, (3) who the typical users are, and (4) users’ experiences of the usability of My Kanta. MethodA survey was conducted among pharmacy customers (aged ≥18) purchasing medicines for themselves. Questionnaires (N=2915) were distributed from 18 community pharmacies across Finland in autumn 2015. The data obtained was stored in SPSS for Windows and subjected to descriptive analysis, chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis. ResultsIn total, 1288 respondents were included (response rate 44%). Most (62%) of the customers were familiar with My Kanta. The majority of them (78%) were using it to view their ePrescriptions. My Kanta was perceived as clear, easy to use and to provide a good overall picture of the prescribed medications. Familiarity with My Kanta was associated with a higher education than basic school, regular use of prescription medicines, and sufficient information received about ePrescriptions. Men used My Kanta more often than women. Respondents aged 75 or older were less likely to be familiar with and to use the service compared to 18–34year olds. ConclusionsMost of the Finnish pharmacy customers were familiar with the national online service, My Kanta, for viewing ePrescriptions. Service users perceived it as easy to use and beneficial in managing their overall medication. Customers under 75, those educated beyond basic school, those using prescription medicines regularly, and those who had obtained sufficient information about ePrescriptions were most likely to be familiar with My Kanta. Men and customers under 75 were the typical users of the service. Some customers, however, were unaware of the service, or unable or reluctant to use it.

Consumption patterns of NSAIDs in central Portugal and the role of pharmacy professionals in promoting their rational use

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used of all therapeutic agents. In spite of their therapeutic efficacy, concern over the use of NSAIDs is largely related to their adverse effects in different organic systems, as well as their indiscriminate use. There is a lack of studies about the pattern of use of NSAIDs in Portugal. The aim of this study was to characterize the consumption pattern of NSAIDs by adult users in the central region of Portugal, as well as the role of the community pharmacy professionals in counseling and promoting their rational use. A questionnaire survey to determine sociodemographic information and NSAID use characterization was administered to a sample of 450 pharmacy customers between October and November of 2013. The prevalence of NSAID use was 57.6 % (95 % CI 53–62). Most of the 259 NSAID users were aged 18–39 years (61.4 %), female (67.6 %), urban zone inhabitants (70.7 %) and practiced self-medication (64.2 %). Self-medication with NSAIDs was significantly (p ≤ 0.001) related to age, employment status and the use of gastroprotective drugs. The concomitant use of NSAIDs and other medications revealed the possibility of drug interactions in people aged ≥65 years (prevalence ratio 6.3). Of the NSAID users, 47 % reported that they sometimes, rarely or never received pharmacy professional recommendations. However, the majority (76 %) of respondents said that they read medicine leaflets, and considered NSAIDs to be effective and remarkably safe. Considering the main results of this study, it is imperative to promote the re-education of the population and improve the consultative role of the pharmacy professionals regarding NSAID use.

Purchasing Over-the-counter medicines from Australian pharmacy: What do the pharmacy customers value and expect?

Background:Over-the-counter medicines (OTC) are widely available and can be purchased without a prescription. Their availability means that a customer may choose to purchase them without the involvement of a pharmacy/pharmacist. It is important to understand customer OTC purchasing perceptions and behaviour from a pharmacy to better understand the needs and opportunities in this space.Objective:This study aimed to examine customers’ key expectations and what they value when purchasing OTC and how the effect of health status/stress and perceived risks/benefits of purchasing OTCs from a pharmacy may influence their OTC shopping behaviour.Methods:Customers from two metropolitan pharmacies across two different suburbs in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data collection was conducted over a six-week period. The questionnaire examined demographics, current level of health and stress, as well as a range of questions (seven-point Likert-scale) examining perceived benefits and risks, what they value, trust and expect when purchasing OTC.Results:A total of 86 customers from a broad range of demographics were captured in this study. When asked about their current health state, 41% and 23% respectively indicated that they were stressed and tense when they arrived at the pharmacy but many were feeling well (38%). Most customers strongly agreed/agreed that trust in the advice from a pharmacy (96%), trust in the products (73%), and the altruistic approach of a pharmacy (95%) were critical to them. Further, 82% and 78% respectively disagreed that time pressures or costs were concerns, despite many feeling tense and stressed when they came in. When asked where they intend to buy their future OTC, 89% indicated pharmacy instead of a supermarket.Conclusions:High levels of trust, confidence and sense of altruism and care were key factors for customers buying OTC from a pharmacy, regardless of time pressures, costs or existing levels of stress and health.

Internet Use for Searching Information on Medicines and Disease: A Community Pharmacy-Based Survey Among Adult Pharmacy Customers.

BackgroundThe Internet is increasingly used as a source of health-related information, and a vast majority of Internet users are performing health-related searches in the United States and Europe, with wide differences among countries. Health information searching behavior on the Internet is affected by multiple factors, including demographics, socioeconomic factors, education, employment, attitudes toward the Internet, and health conditions, and their knowledge may help to promote a safer use of the Internet. Limited information however exists so far about Internet use to search for medical information in Italy.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the use of the Internet for searching for information on medicines and disease in adult subjects in Northern Italy.MethodsSurvey in randomly selected community pharmacies, using a self-administered questionnaire, with open and multiple choices questions, was conducted.ResultsA total of 1008 participants were enrolled (59.5% women; median age: 43 years; range: 14-88 years). Previous use of the Internet to search for information about medicines or dietary supplements was reported by 26.0% of respondents, more commonly by women (30.00% vs 20.10% men, P<.001), unmarried subjects (32.9% vs 17.4% widowed subjects, P=.022), and employed people (29.1% vs 10.4% retired people, P=.002). Use was highest in the age range of 26 to 35 (40.0% users vs 19.6% and 12.3% in the age range ≤25 and ≥56, respectively, P<.001) and increased with years of education (from 5.3% with 5 years, up to 41.0% with a university degree, P<.001). Previous use of the Internet to search for information about disease was reported by 59.1% of respondents, more commonly by women (64.5% vs 51.0% males, P<.001), unmarried subjects (64.2% vs 58.5% married or divorced subjects and 30.4% widowed subjects, P=.012), unemployed people (66.7% vs 64.0% workers and 29.9% retired people, P<.001). Use was highest in the age range of 26 to 35 (70.1% vs 64.4% in both 36-45 and 46-55 ranges and 35.1% in ≥56, P<.001) and increased with years of education (from 12.5% with 5 years up to 66.7% with 13 years and 68.6% with a university degree, P<.001). Retrieved information was rated as satisfactory by about 87.5% (88.1% women and 86.2% men, P=.562). Recent use of medicines or dietary supplements was associated with more frequent use of the Internet to search for disease and drugs.ConclusionsThe study provides detailed information on the use of the Internet for searching for information on medicines and disease in the Italian population. Gender, age, social status and level of education, and the previous use of medicines, affect searching behaviors and use patterns. Results can support educational interventions to promote the retrieval of high-quality information by Internet users and health professionals advising patients about appropriate use of Internet for health-related purposes.

The use of community pharmacies in North West England: an observational study.

There are few studies of community pharmacy footfall and activity in the existing literature, especially by direct observation. To describe the characteristics of counter interactions between pharmacy staff and customers. Structured observation of all interactions between pharmacy staff and customers across the weekly opening hours of five pharmacies diverse in location and ownership. Three-quarters (76%) of observed interactions were associated with prescriptions, but a significant minority accessed cognitive services. Dispensing was the primary activity across the diverse range of pharmacies. Reasons for visits are diversifying into advice and services, particularly among younger users.

Quality performance of laboratory testing in pharmacies: a collaborative evaluation.

The quality performance and the comparability between results of pharmacies point-of-care-testing (POCT) and institutional laboratories have been evaluated. Eight pharmacies participated in the project: a capillary specimen collected by the pharmacist and, simultaneously, a lithium-heparin sample drawn by a physician of laboratory medicine for the pharmacy customers (n=106) were analyzed in the pharmacy and in the laboratory, respectively. Glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, were measured using: Reflotron, n=5; Samsung, n=1; Cardiocheck PA, n=1; Cholestech LDX, n=1 and Cobas 8000. The POCT analytical performance only (phase 2) were evaluated testing, in pharmacies and in the laboratory, the lithium heparin samples from a female drawn fasting daily in a week, and a control sample containing high concentrations of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. For all parameters, except triglycerides, the slopes showed a satisfactory correlation. For triglycerides, a median value higher in POCT in comparison to the laboratory (1.627 mmol/L vs. 0.950 mmol/L) has been observed. The agreement in the subjects classification, demonstrates that for glucose, 70% of the subjects show concentrations below the POCT recommended level (5.8-6.1 mmol/L), while 56% are according to the laboratory limit (<5.6 mmol/L). Total cholesterol exhibits a similar trend while POCT triglycerides show a greater percentage of increased values (21% vs. 9%). The reduction in triglycerides bias (phase 2) suggests that differences between POCT and central laboratory is attributable to a pre-analytical problem. The results confirm the acceptable analytical performance of POCT pharmacies and specific criticisms in the pre- and post-analytical phases.

Complementary Medicine Use And Regulation – An Australian Perspective

A government funded survey of 1121 Australian pharmacy customers found 72% take over-the-counter complementary medicine products (CMs). They are used to relieve symptoms, prevent disease and enhance health [1]. The use of CMs does not reduce with age, only the pattern of use changes. The majority of CMs are purchased in community pharmacies where customers expect pharmacists to provide information about safety and efficacy; however, surveys show pharmacists are not confident and poorly-equipped to provide evidence-informed guidance. Naturopaths generally consult in clinics however there are now pharmacies employing naturopaths to provide customer advice.

THE SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF INTERACTIVE REGULATIONS FUNCTIONAL MODELS

A person has no ability to capture entirely and to estimate correctly the logical coherence and consistency of Regulations in the Text Form. It leads to mistakes in a work of an Enterprise Staff and to the impossibility of mastering of the Regulations with considerable volume. Presented Information Technology allows the Regulations Executor to receive on-line proper information of the Optimum Actions in any possible Situation, which can arise in the course of the work. Leading Experts of any Enterprise may create the full-fledged Expert System by themselves with the help of Specialized Software. Such a System will contain the knowledge in the Functional Model of Regulations (the Optimum Business Process). Stages of realization of the represented Information Technology and the peculiarities of on-line data displaying for the Regulations Executor are illustrated by the Pharmacy Customer Service Regulations.

Prevalence and risk factors of drug induced liver disease: a survey based study in pharmacies

The reported incidence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) ranges from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 patients for most drugs, but the true incidence is expected to be much higher. Several risk factors for DILI susceptibility have been suggested, however there is insufficient data to define an individual risk profile. Therefore it was our aim to study the prevalence of DILI and potential risk factors within adult pharmacy customers in Germany. We conducted two 6 week-survey studies in 30 pharmacies in 2011 and 2012, respectively, using a newly developed questionnaire comprising questions on demography, (liver) diseases, liver enzyme activities, and drug history. In each study, anonymized questionnaires were presented to non-selected adult customers taking (non-)prescription drugs. Combining the datasets from the 2011 and 2012 surveys, in total 1098 questionnaires were evaluated (mean age 57.7 ± 17.1 years; 62.6 % females, return rate 15.25 %). Overall, 141 individuals (12.8 %) reported elevated liver enzymes due to drugs, in 65 cases (5.9 %) the medication had to be stopped, and 20 customers (1.8 %) reported that they had been admitted to hospital due to DILI. Compared to individuals without adverse hepatic drug reactions (n = 957), the 141 persons with potential DILI presented more often the following risk factors in multivariate analysis: chronic liver disease (14.4 % vs. 2.4 %, odds ratio [OR] 4.2, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.0 - 9.0), chronic renal insufficiency (20.0 vs. 6.8 %, OR 2.2, 95 % CI 1.3 - 3.7), diabetes (34 vs. 15.3 %, OR 2.0, 95 % CI 1.3 - 3.2), family history of chronic liver disease (19.9 vs. 7.7 %, OR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.2 - 3.6), and continuous drug intake for more than 5 years (80.9 vs. 59.3 %, OR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.3 - 3.5). These studies show an unexpected high prevalence of DILI in pharmacy customers and identify multiple potential risk factors.

Pathophysiological Factors in the Relationship between Chronological Age and Calculated Lung Age as Detected in a Screening Setting in Community-Dwelling Subjects.

To explore the relationship between pathophysiological factors and premature lung aging in a cohort of community-dwelling subjects in a health-screening setting. 16,107 pharmacy customers in Germany (5954 males, 10,153 females; mean age 59.7 years) participated in a lung function screening project by providing demographic data, including smoking status and known airway conditions and performing spirometry with a Vitalograph, a spirometry screening device. Lung age was calculated from the spirometric findings, and the difference between chronological age and calculated lung age was analyzed in its relationship to the demographic data in general linear models. In the overall cohort, calculated lung age exceeded chronological age by 10.0 years. Based on the subset of non-smokers not reporting any airway conditions, Vitalograph data in this setting may underestimate FEV1 to some degree, but this apparently had little impact on the detection of association of lung age with pathophysiological factors or the corresponding effect sizes. The most important factors associated with greater lung age based on strength of association were presence of dyspnea, being a smoker, and reporting a history of COPD or asthma. Corresponding effect sizes for the difference between age and lung age were 6.5, 5.7, 13.9, and 8.3 years over the chronological age. These data confirm the usefulness of screening devices of lung function testing for epidemiological but potentially also for pharmaco-epidemiological studies.

MONITORING OF CONSUMER ATTITUDES TO MEDICINES

Objective. Comparative analysis and monitoring of the population’s attitude to medicines through an assessment of their consumer qualities by visitors of pharmacies. Materials and Methods. Conducted two sociological survey thru the original questionnaires in 2002 and 2015 among pharmacy customers. Each survey included 380 respondents living in the cities of Central Russia. During the interviews, respondents were asked, among other things evaluate the 13 influencing their choice of consumer qualities of medicines. Six of these qualities characterize the pharmaceutical features and merchandising options are seven parameters of medicines. Statistical analysis used a set of indicators of variation statistics, ranking, rank correlation. Results . Ratings of consumer qualities of medicines are obtained for the studied years and changes in the whole period of monitoring. We have identified the priority characteristics of medicines which are essential for consumers, in particular: efficiency, clear information on the package, low cost, minor side effects, convenient way to receive. Conclusion. The revealed features of consumer attitudes to medicines should be taken into account pharmaceutical workers in information and consultative dealing with pharmacies visitors.

GENDER FEATURES OF THE POPULATION'S ATTITUDE TO MEDICINES

Objective. The study of gender features of attitudes visitors of pharmacies to medicines. Materials and Methods. Conducted sociological survey thru the original questionnaires in 2015 among pharmacy customers. The survey included 380 respondents (190 men and 190 women) living in the cities of Central Russia. During the interview, respondents were asked, among other things evaluate the 13 influencing their choice when buying of consumer qualities of medicines. For statistical analysis used the methods of variation statistics, ranking, grouping, correlation analysis. Results. We have identified the priority qualities of medicines which are essential for consumers, in particular: efficiency, minor side effects, low cost, clear information on the package, convenient medicinal form of production. We have not detected significant gender differences in the assessment of consumer qualities of medicines that led to the conclusion of equivalence of consumer attitudes of men and women to them.