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Many Consumers Unclear on Correct Prescription Drug Usage

“Under the Skin” Study from ORC Guideline Shows “Comprehension Confusion” Indicates Need for More Consumer Education


  • Press Release
  • Source: ORC Guideline
  • On 8:30 am EDT, Thursday October 1, 2009

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Do consumers truly understand how to take their medications and the possible side effects and interactions that can occur as a result? Though the vast majority of study respondents who have recently picked up a prescription drug say they understand how to take their medication (90%), only 60% are aware of the potential interactions with other prescribed medication, and only 58% are aware of interactions with OTC medication they are taking, according to the latest ‘Under the Skin’ survey by ORC Guideline, an infoGROUP company (NASDAQ: IUSA - News). The study also revealed that 20% of respondents said they have stopped taking a medication altogether because they felt they did not have enough information about it.

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“These findings raise important questions about how Americans are getting their drug information and how well they understand it,” said Christine W. Dalzell, Ph.d, Senior Managing Director, ORC Guideline. “Experts cite that approximately 500,000 adverse events occur each year in this country because people misread the instructions on prescription drug labels. Such ‘comprehension confusion’ obviously has the potential to put consumers at great risk,” she said.

The survey also indicated that roughly half (55%) of respondents considered pharmacists and doctors to be a sufficient source for information about their prescriptions, while another 35% did not feel that the printed information supplied by the pharmacy about their prescription was important. Among those who did read drug information supplied by their pharmacy or the drug manufacturer, those that found it hardest to understand fell in the 45-54 age bracket (23%), followed closely by the 55-64 age bracket (22%). “With nearly a quarter of respondents in each of these age brackets indicating they may have a hard time understanding supplied drug information, and with a number of people not bothering to read it at all, there is clearly a need for better dialog between patients, particularly in the middle-aged to senior age groups, and their doctors and pharmacists, to ensure the safety of consumers,” Dalzell said.

This report presents the findings of a telephone survey conducted among a national probability sample of 1,007 adults comprised of 501 men and 506 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing for this CARAVAN® Survey was completed during the period August 27-30, 2009.

About Under the Skin Series

ORC Guideline’s ‘Under the Skin’ series of studies focuses on American’s perceptions of the healthcare system, health insurance coverage, drug choices and wellness.

About ORC Guideline

ORC Guideline is the nation’s premier provider of customized research and analysis designed to help companies make more informed decisions. With an integrated suite of primary research, secondary research, competitive intelligence, and expert insight, we help clients solve their most challenging business issues. Our multi-dimensional approach to research allows us to source, synthesize and analyze data in innovative ways and provide strategic insight to companies across a broad-range of industries.

ORC Guideline is part of Opinion Research Corporation (ORC), with offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific region. The market research industry’s only true global boutique, ORC is a leader in the integration of research and technology, and is known for its nimble, flexible and responsive approach to the complex market research challenges facing its clients. ORC is an official partner of CNN, the most trusted name in news, on the CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. To learn more about Opinion Research Corporation, visit www.opinionresearch.com. To learn more about ORC Guideline, visit www.orcguideline.com.

About infoGROUP

infoGROUP (NASDAQ: IUSA - News) is the leading provider of data and interactive resources that enable targeted sales, effective marketing and insightful research solutions. Our information powers innovative tools and insight for businesses to efficiently reach current and future customers through multiple channels, including the world’s most dominant and powerful Internet search engines and GPS navigation systems. infoGROUP headquarters are located at 5711 S. 86th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127. For more information, call (402) 593-4500 or visit www.infogroup.com.

Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, recent changes in senior management, the successful integration of recent and future acquisitions, fluctuations in operating results, failure to successfully carry out our Internet strategy or to grow our Internet revenue, effects of leverage, changes in technology and increased competition. More information about potential factors that could affect the company's business and financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

Caroline Harris, CJP Communications
212-279-3115 ext. 222
or
Carolyn Werbler, ORC USA
609-452-5258
or
Kelly Loontjer
Director of External Communications
402-596-7574
kelly.loontjer@infogroup.com

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