Risk Perception of Prescription Drugs: Report on a Survey in Canada
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Date
1991
Authors
Slovic, Paul
Kraus, Nancy
Lappe, Henner
Major, Marilyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
A representative of the Canadian public was interviewed to determine their attitudes and perceptions of the risks and benefits from prescription drugs. In general, prescription drugs, with the exception of sleeping pills, antidepressants, and tranquilizers, were perceived to be high in benefit and low in risk. They appeared to be sharply differentiated from other chemicals and from illicit drugs. Perceptions varied somewhat according to geographic region, age, gender, education and tendency toward political activism on health issues. Despite the general acceptance of drug risks, respondents were very quick to call for withdrawal from the market of a drug suspected of causing fatal reactions in some patients. Evidence for safety and efficacy, in combination with warning information, appeared to make these concerned individuals much more tolerant of the risks from such a drug. Practical implications of these results and the need for further research on risk/benefit perception are discussed.
Description
47 pages
Keywords
Risk perception, Canada, Prescription drugs, Perceived risk, Perceived benefit, Informed choice, Attitudes, Patient information, Warning information
Citation
Slovic, P., Kraus, N., Lappe, H., & Major, M. (1991). Risk perception of prescription drugs: Report on a survey in Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 82, S15-S20.