Analysis of Factors that Influence OTC Purchasing Behavior

Cîrstea, Ştefan Dragoş; Moldovan-Teselios, Calin; Iancu, Anica

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-52875-5_63

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…The importance of self-diagnosis before purchasing a product is medium, so respondents do not consider this a top priority, but it is certainly useful to have a diagnosis to choose a product. Two key factors influence the purchase decision: medical or pharmaceutical advice and the perceived value of the information (Cîrstea et al, 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Obtaining Consumer Information for the Purchase of Over-The-Counter Medicines and Food Supplements from Hungarian-Speaking Adult Consumers in Slovakia

Szigeti

Józsa

2023

HEM

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The present study focuses on the role of online (Internet) ordering, information seeking, and the importance of the information provided by health professionals connected with the purchase of over-the-counter medicines and food supplements. Our primary survey was conducted in April-May 2022 and received 216 answers from Hungarian-speaking consumers in Slovakia that could be analysed. The data collected through the questionnaire was examined using statistical analysis and calculations. The data were organised in a single Excel file to facilitate our analysis and were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software for statistical tests – descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation analysis, Khi-square tests (variables were in nominal and ordinal measurement level). Results were considered significant at a p-value<0.05 and a p-value<0.001. Results and discussion: As to obtaining information, its receiving in person at the pharmacy is essential for consumers. When buying OTC medicines and dietary supplements, personal contact with a person working in a pharmacy is important. Consumers who want to receive information about the use of OTC medicines/supplements regard it essential to receive this information in person at the pharmacy. However, consumers who desire to purchase over-the-counter medicine/dietary supplements outside the pharmacy do not consider it important to obtain this information in person at the pharmacy. There is no association between monthly net income and highest educational attainment and the use of over-the-counter medicine based on information obtained from an advertising campaign. The results show no relationship between the education, income, age group of Hungarian-speaking consumers in Slovakia and the use of OTC medicines based on information from advertising campaigns. Only one relationship was found between the age group of the Hungarian-speaking Slovakian consumer and the use of non-prescription medicines based on information from advertising campaigns. Conclusions: The results pointed out that although online OTC medicine purchases have gained ground, personal professional advice is important for the group of customers who buy products in person at the pharmacy. It is advisable for companies producing OTC preparations to focus both on consumers who prefer online ordering and those who prefer personal shopping. What is much more important is that the pharmacy staff is still an essential source of information, and they also help with self-diagnosis. From the sales perspective, it is important to maintain online trade as consumers demand it.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two critical factors influence the purchase decision: medical or pharmaceutical advice and the perceived value of the information (Cîrstea et al, 2017). Patients from Slovakia often get information about OTC medicines from doctors and pharmacists.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Obtaining Consumer Information for the Purchase of Over-The-Counter Medicines and Food Supplements from Hungarian-Speaking Adult Consumers in Slovakia

Szigeti

Józsa

2023

HEM

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“…Based on a comprehensive review of the related literature, 15,16 the study researchers developed and modified (in English) a close‐ended structured questionnaire for data collection. Three bilingual professors (whose native language is Arabic) translated the study tool into Arabic using the backward‐forward translation method 17 .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceptions toward the use of over‐the‐counter dietary supplements during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A cross sectional study of the general public in Jordan

Khasawneh

Al-Shatnawi

Alhamad

et al. 2022

Health Science Reports

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Background and Aims: Over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplements gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as a preventive measure. Lack of complete understanding among the general population of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the severity and progression of infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has further encouraged the use of supplements. The present study aimed to assess the perceptions of the general public toward the efficacy and safety of the use of OTC dietary supplements as immune enhancers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The factors impacting these perceptions were also explored. Methods:This was an online survey-based, cross-sectional study conducted in Jordan over 4 months. A validated survey which comprised 28 questions covering aspects related to the respondents' demographic characteristics, their perceptions toward the efficacy of OTC dietary supplements and their awareness regarding the safety of popular OTC supplements and healthy dietary habits was used to collect responses. Associations between patient characteristics with perception and awareness were explored.Results: A total of 1487 responses were included in the analysis. Ascorbic acid, zinc, and vitamin D were the most popular OTC supplements, as indicated by the percentages of users (48.8%, 38.6%, and 34.6%, respectively). Perceptions toward OTC supplement use were suboptimal, with a reported mean perception score of 27.82 ± 8.56 (range 0-45). The multivariate analysis showed that participants who were of older age (>65 years) (AOR = 6.29, 95% CI = 2.2-17.9), had an income level >1500 (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.80-3.56), and used chronic medications had better perceptions than did younger participants, those with no income, and non-users of chronic medications, respectively. The mean safety awareness score was 5.36 ± 1.58 (maximum 7), with a significant direct relationship identified between perceptions and safety awareness scores (Spearman's correlation = 0.136, p < 0.001).

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A Prospective Real-World Study of Bacillus clausii Evaluating Use, Treatment Habits and Patient Satisfaction in Italian Community Pharmacies: The PEGASO Study

Giua,

Romano,

Keber

et al. 2023

Drugs - Real World Outcomes

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Background Ailments such as diarrhoea and antibiotic-associated gut symptoms are generally self-managed using probiotics. Real-world data on reasons behind self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) products and patient-reported outcomes can be investigated strategically by the pharmacists. Objective This study evaluates the use of Bacillus clausii (Enterogermina ® ) at the Italian community pharmacies among self-medicating patients, their treatment habits and perceived benefits. Design This is a multicentre, prospective, non-interventional study which included two visits [at screening (T0) and end of the study (T1) when symptoms had subsided, ≤ 30 days from T0]. Patients who were already inclined to buy B. clausii were enrolled and instructed to complete a questionnaire at T0 and T1. The primary objective was to evaluate the reasons for taking B. clausii . Secondary objectives assessed treatment duration, perceived effectiveness, quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction and safety outcomes. Results Overall, 268 patients were enrolled; 99.6% of them were evaluated at T0 and 97.4% at T1, and safety was evaluated in 97.8% who had ≥ 1 dose of B. clausii . At T0, mean age was 50.7 years and majority were females (62.2%). In the interview, main reason stated for using B. clausii at T0 was diarrhoea (56.93%), followed by other gastrointestinal symptoms. Treatment duration was shorter in those with diarrhoea or abdominal pain versus those with constipation or abdominal tension. More than 90% perceived their symptoms to have improved or improved very much. Overall QoL improved in all the aspects measured. Treatment satisfaction was reported by nearly 90% of patients as satisfied, very satisfied or extremely satisfied. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion This is the first pharmacy-based study in Italy that evaluated the real-world usage of an OTC probiotic containing B. clausii among self-medicating adults. Diarrhoea was the most common reason for use, with high-level of perceived effectiveness and patient satisfaction with B. clausii . Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40801-023-00402-1.

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Analysis of Factors that Influence OTC Purchasing Behavior

Cited by 9 publications

References 8 publications

Obtaining Consumer Information for the Purchase of Over-The-Counter Medicines and Food Supplements from Hungarian-Speaking Adult Consumers in Slovakia

Obtaining Consumer Information for the Purchase of Over-The-Counter Medicines and Food Supplements from Hungarian-Speaking Adult Consumers in Slovakia

Perceptions toward the use of over‐the‐counter dietary supplements during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A cross sectional study of the general public in Jordan

A Prospective Real-World Study of Bacillus clausii Evaluating Use, Treatment Habits and Patient Satisfaction in Italian Community Pharmacies: The PEGASO Study

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