Purchasing Illicit Medicine Online: Insights from the CAPSULE Project on Consumer Awareness

• In Event: Innovations in and Control of Drug Markets

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of the CAPSULE project concerning the level of awareness among online consumers regarding the purchase of illicit medicines. Through a survey conducted with over 2000 consumers in Italy and Spain, this study aims to gather insights into consumers' knowledge and attitudes towards online medicine sales, their exposure to online advertising, the prevalence of online medicine purchases, and their ability to distinguish legitimate products from illicit ones advertised online. Respondents were shown images of real advertisements offering medicines online, comprising both legitimate and illicit products. They were then tasked with assessing the legitimacy of these advertisements and identifying the factors that influenced their decision. Furthermore, an analysis of the influence of respondents' characteristics on their attitude and awareness towards the potential purchase of illicit products is included. This research provides critical insights into consumer behaviors and perceptions, with implications for policy development in regulating online pharmaceutical markets.

Authors

• Marco Dugato, Transcrime - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

• Mirko Nazzari, University of Sassari