title: Consumer demand in the purchase and prescription of sugar-free medicines.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the current level of consumer demand in the purchase and prescription of sugar-free paediatric medicines.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected by administered questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in a Hospital Paediatric Dentistry Unit and a Community Dental Clinic, both within the Bro Taf area of south-east Wales.
  
  
  METHODS
  The parents of 240 children attending for routine dental care responded to one of two short questionnaires, depending on whether their child had received a liquid oral medicine in the preceding month.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although aware of the benefits of sugar-free medicines, parents did not appear to be attempting to exercise the power of consumer demand to its full potential. They were more likely to ask a pharmacist (or pharmacist's assistant) than their general medical practitioner for a sugar-free medicine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We must continue to promote sugar-free medicines. While increasing the importance that health professionals attach to such products, future campaigns should also aim to increase consumer demand.
authors.affiliation: Dental Health and Development, University of Wales College of Medicine Dental School, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hunter
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003815:Dentists; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010290:Parents; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D010595:Pharmacists; D010596:Pharmacy Technicians; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012996:Solutions; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013549:Sweetening Agents
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D012996:Solutions; D013549:Sweetening Agents