Perceptions and Attitudes of Egyptian Health Professionals and Policy-Makers towards Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives and Other Promotional Activities

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140457
• Publication Date: 2015-10-16T18:11:26Z
• Authors: Susan Kamal; Christine Holmberg; Jean Russell; Tomasz Bochenek; Beata Tobiasz-Ada...; Christiane Fischer; Peter Tinnemann
• Keywords: Health Professionals

Pharmaceutical promotion activities in low and middle-income countries are often neither regulated nor monitored. While Egypt has the highest population per capita use of medicines Arab world, we know very little about pharmaceutical companies promotional country.To explore analyze perceptions physicians towards marketing among pharmacists Egypt.Perspectives different healthcare system stakeholders were explored through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted 2014 Cairo, Egypt. Interviewees chosen via purposive sampling snowball technique. Each interview was recorded transcribed. Then qualitative, thematic analysis with help NVIVO software.The majority acknowledged exposure to promotion. It commonly believed that interaction industry is necessary both associated risks benefits acknowledged. The interviewed considered themselves competent enough minimize maximize their prescribing habits. Views diverged on extent magnitude promotion, especially regard influence patients' health.Pharmaceutical intensely directed at prescribers dispensers. Physicians, policymakers expressed skepticism individual prescribing. Raising awareness pitfalls necessary, less experienced physicians.