"In this study, we investigated the status of researching drug information online, and the type of Internet user who uses anonymous Web communities and websites. A Web-based cross-sectional survey of 10875 male and female Internet users aged 16 and over was conducted in March 2010," investigators in Tokyo, Japan report.
"Of 10282 analyzed respondents, exCIuding medical professionals, about 47% reported that they had previously searched the Internet for drug information and had used online resources ranging from drug information search engines and pharmaceutical industry websites to social networking sites and Twitter. Respondents who had researched drug information online (n = 4861) were analyzed by two multivariable logistic regressions. In Model 1, the use of anonymous websites associated with age (OR, 0.778; 95% CI, 0.742-0.816), referring to the reputation and the narrative of other Internet users on shopping (OR, 1.640; 95% CI, 1.450-1.855), taking a prescription drug (OR, 0.806; 95% CI, 0.705-0.922), and frequent consulting with non-professionals about medical care and health (OR, 1.613; 95% CI, 1.396-1.865). In Model 2, use of only anonymous websites was associated with age (OR, 0.753; 95% CI, 0.705-0.805), using the Internet daily (OR, 0.611; 95% CI, 0.462-0.808), taking a prescription drug (OR, 0.614; 95% CI, 0.505-0.747), and experience a side effect (OR, 0.526; 95% CI, 0.421-0.658)," wrote K. Kishimoto and colleagues, Keio University.
The researchers concluded: "The analysis revealed the profiles of Internet users who researched drug information on social media sites where the information providers are anonymous and do not necessarily have adequate knowledge of medicine and online information literacy."
Kishimoto and colleagues published their study in Yakugaku Zasshi - Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (Use of Anonymous Web Communities and Websites by Medical Consumers in Japan to Research Drug information. Yakugaku Zasshi - Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, 2011;131(5):685-695).
For additional information, contact K. Kishimoto, Keio University, Faculty Pharmaceutical Science, Division Social Pharmacy, Minato Ku, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Tokyo 1058512, JAPAN.
The publisher of the Yakugaku Zasshi - Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan can be contacted at: Pharmaceutical Society Japan, 2-12-15-201 Shibuya, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, 150, Japan.
Keywords: City:Tokyo, Country:Japan, Region:Asia, Asia, Japan, Pharmaceutical and Research
This article was prepared by China Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, China Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.
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