In order to assess the quality of pharmaceutical advertising in Norway, we conducted a review of advertisements for selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors published in the Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association and the journal Legemidler og samfunn during the period 1995-97. 18 advertisements with 38 reference citations were identified. In six citations (16%), errors made it impossible to identify the source with certainty solely on the basis of the advertisement. Under Norwegian drug advertisement regulations, a total of 56 statements should have been followed by a reference citation. In 18 of these (33%), it was debatable whether the statements were in accordance with the regulations. This review indicates that a significant proportion of the statements in drug advertisements is inaccurate and gives a too positive picture of the properties of the drug.
It is a general impression that by far the greater part of drug information to general practitioners is provided by drug manufacturers rather than by independent sources. However, the extent of such information has not previously been quantified in Norway.
All written drug information received by a general practitioner in 1999 was registered.
A total of 5,669 pages of drug information were received. Of these, 5,115 pages (90.2%) came from drug manufacturers. On average, 12 pages with drug advertisements and information on six different pharmaceutical products were received every day.
This study verifies that a very high proportion of the drug information to a general practitioner is provided by the pharmaceutical industry.
To describe recent changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour with regard to restrictions on smoking, we compared the findings of population-based surveys conducted in Metropolitan Toronto in 1983 and 1988. In both surveys identical questions and similar data collection procedures were used. There were no changes in knowledge scores regarding the health effects of active smoking or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), nor in smoking behaviour. In contrast, there were marked changes in attitudes. The population favoured more restrictions on smoking, including prohibition in specific locations, and there was greater support for restrictions on sales and advertising, for differential insurance rates favouring nonsmokers, and for higher taxes on cigarettes. Fewer 1988 respondents reported smoking among their associates and more reported being bothered by others' smoking. The implications for public health education and policy development are discussed.
Notes
Comment In: Can J Public Health. 1992 Nov-Dec;83(6):397-91286435
