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Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) for prescription drugs: Consumers' attitudes and preferences concerning its regulation in South Korea

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  • Suh, Hae Sun
  • Lee, Donghyun
  • Kim, Sang Yong
  • Chee, Dong Hyun
  • Kang, Hye-Young

Abstract

Objective To examine consumers' attitudes toward direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) for prescription drugs in Korea.Methods We conducted a survey of 350 patients visiting community pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. Consumers' attitudes toward DTCA were assessed in terms of whether they felt DTCA was necessary, their trust in the information provided by DTCA, and their intention to use the information provided by DTCA. We examined consumers' preferences regarding the regulation of DTCA and their expectations of the effects of DTCA.Results About 60% of the respondents responded that DTCA is necessary and that they intended to use the information from DTCA. Less than half of the respondents reported that they would trust DTCA information. About 70% of the participants expressed the need for prior vetting of the DTCA content. Respondents had the highest expectation on the effect of DTCA as an information source for patients. Positive consumer expectations regarding the effects of DTCA were significantly associated with positive consumer attitudes toward DTCA (odds ratio = 4.70, 95% confidence interval: 2.25-9.82).Conclusions This study provides evidence that consumers in South Korea generally have positive attitudes toward DTCA. However, most of the respondents wanted a prior examination system of DTCA content to ensure that the information conveyed to them via DTCA was trustworthy. Policy-makers should be cautious and well-prepared if they decide to introduce DTCA in Korea.

Suggested Citation

  • Suh, Hae Sun & Lee, Donghyun & Kim, Sang Yong & Chee, Dong Hyun & Kang, Hye-Young, 2011. "Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) for prescription drugs: Consumers' attitudes and preferences concerning its regulation in South Korea," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(3), pages 260-268, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:101:y:2011:i:3:p:260-268
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michal Herzenstein & Sanjog Misra & Steven Posavac, 2004. "How Consumers’ Attitudes Toward Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs Influence Ad Effectiveness, and Consumer and Physician Behavior," Marketing Letters, Springer, vol. 15(4), pages 201-212, December.
    2. Kang, Hye-Young & Kim, Sun Jeong & Cho, Woohyun & Lee, Sunhee, 2009. "Consumer use of publicly released hospital performance information: Assessment of the National Hospital Evaluation Program in Korea," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 89(2), pages 174-183, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hankil Lee & Sang Yong Kim & Goun Kim & Hye-Young Kang, 2019. "Public preferences for corporate social responsibility activities in the pharmaceutical industry: Empirical evidence from Korea," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(8), pages 1-17, August.

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