Public Knowledge and Desire for Knowledge about Drug Safety Issues: A Survey of the General Public in New Zealand

Introduction Effective communication of drug safety information is essential for individuals to make informed decisions about their use of therapeutic medicines. Objectives The aims of this study were to explore (1) understanding and awareness of drug safety issues, and (2) preferences regarding sources and channels of communication about drug safety among the New Zealand public. Methods Structured telephone interviews were completed by 257 participants randomly selected from New Zealand electoral rolls. Results A total of 67 % of participants reported using at least one prescription medicine in the month prior to interview, and 23 % reported having experienced an adverse drug reaction (ADR) in the year prior to interview. Less than half (45 %) had been aware of the ADR risk before it occurred, and only 1 % of all participants could name the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring as the agency to which suspected ADRs are reported in New Zealand. Similarly, only 51, 40 and 56 % of users of aspirin/ibuprofen, combined oral contraceptive pill or hormone therapy, respectively, could recall a known ADR of their medicine. Just over half of participants believed new medicines would only be approved for use if they were completely safe, and just 1 % could name the authority responsible for therapeutic product regulation in New Zealand. A total of 40 % of participants wanted more information when prescribed new medicines, with the most commonly suggested means of obtaining drug safety information in the future being via healthcare professionals and a trusted internet resource. Conclusions These findings indicate a low level of drug safety awareness among the general population, together with a desire for further knowledge.