Consumer demand in the purchase and prescription of sugar-free medicines.
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.
Hunter
M L
ML
Dental Health and Development, University of Wales College of Medicine Dental School, Cardiff, UK.
Lewis
R
R
Hunter
B
B
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
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D012996:Solutions; D013549:Sweetening Agents