Online pharmaceutical market and consumer awareness: perceptions, risks, and behaviors

• In Event: Drug trafficking and supply

Abstract

Through a survey conducted with over 2100 consumers in Italy and Spain, this study examines 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' personal characteristics on their attitude and awareness towards 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 (Milan)

• Mirko Nazzari, Università degli Studi di Sassari