Abstract
Objective:To examine drug information-seeking behavior of Japanese people and their attitudes toward drug information.
Methods:A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to approximately 2,000 health examinees at a Japanese health care center. Out of 1,978 respondents, 1,707 nonmedical people were included in this study.
Results:Drug information was mainly obtained from physicians, pharmacists, and Internet. Their greatest concern was efficacy, followed by potential adverse effects. About 40% of respondents denied that they can get all the information they need. They expressed strong hopes of communicating the benefits and risks of medicines.
Conclusion:The information given to people about medicines does not satisfy their needs. People should be informed about the benefits and risks of medicines by health professionals or on the Internet.
