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Illicit Online Pharmacies: A Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Yam B. Limbu

    (Feliciano School of Business, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave., Montclair, NJ 07043, USA)

  • Bruce A. Huhmann

    (Department of Marketing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

Abstract

This scoping review presents the extent and nature of the body of literature on illicit online pharmacies (IOPs) and identifies research gaps. Using the five-step framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Science Direct and PsycInfo to retrieve relevant studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals. The search strategy identified forty-three articles that met the inclusion criteria. Ten themes were identified and categorized into five clusters: patient risk, healthcare providers, marketing and supply chain, public health and society, and policy and regulation. Research into these clusters has evolved over time and has focused increasingly on issues related to specific drugs rather than the overall phenomenon. Data collection has been dominated by convenience sampling, online searches, content analysis and surveys. Data analysis remains primarily descriptive. Gaps within the extant literature suggest an agenda for future research into regulation and enforcement; public health awareness and education; healthcare services; risks to patients and public health; patient-, price- and product-related issues; website design; social media promotion; and supply chains and logistics. We conclude that IOPs are vastly understudied and suggest an urgent need for further empirical and conclusive research.

Suggested Citation

  • Yam B. Limbu & Bruce A. Huhmann, 2023. "Illicit Online Pharmacies: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:9:p:5748-:d:1141824
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. András Fittler & Latifat Adeniye & Zoltán Katz & Richárd Bella, 2021. "Effect of Infodemic Regarding the Illegal Sale of Medications on the Internet: Evaluation of Demand and Online Availability of Ivermectin during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-14, July.
    2. András Fittler & Róbert György Vida & Valter Rádics & Lajos Botz, 2018. "A challenge for healthcare but just another opportunity for illegitimate online sellers: Dubious market of shortage oncology drugs," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, August.
    3. Mackey, T.K. & Kalyanam, J. & Katsuki, T. & Lanckriet, G., 2017. "Twitter-based detection of illegal online sale of prescription opioid," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(12), pages 1910-1915.
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