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Consumer demand in the purchase and prescription of sugar‐free medicines
Author(s) -
Jane Hunter,
; Lewis
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-263x.2000.00183.x
Subject(s) - medicine , pharmacist , medical prescription , family medicine , sugar , consumer demand , pharmacy , nursing , food science , economics , market economy , chemistry
Objectives. To determine the current level of consumer demand in the purchase and prescription of sugar‐free paediatric medicines. Design. Data were collected by administered questionnaire. Setting. The study was conducted in a Hospital Paediatric Dentistry Unit and a Community Dental Clinic, both within the Bro Taf area of south‐east Wales. Sample and methods. The parents of 240 children attending for routine dental care responded to one of two short questionnaires, depending on whether their child had received a liquid oral medicine in the preceding month. Results. Although aware of the benefits of sugar‐free medicines, parents did not appear to be attempting to exercise the power of consumer demand to its full potential. They were more likely to ask a pharmacist (or pharmacist’s assistant) than their general medical practitioner for a sugar‐free medicine. Conclusions. We must continue to promote sugar‐free medicines. While increasing the importance that health professionals attach to such products, future campaigns should also aim to increase consumer demand.