Attitudes and behaviors regarding online pharmacies in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic: At the tipping point towards the new normal

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the online purchase of goods and services in which today’s e-pharmacy is now an integral part of healthcare provisions in developed countries. The aim of our research was to assess the frequency and attitudes of European consumers purchasing medications online prior to and following the pandemic in the Visegrad Group countries (V4). An online cross-sectional study was conducted between May-August 2022. A 25-item questionnaire with single choice and 5-point Likert scale answers was used and implemented in Google forms and Pollfish. A sampling of 2087 responses was collected. A majority (92.8%) of the respondents were aware medicines can be purchased online, yet prefer traditional pharmacies (4.6 ± 0.8) and somewhat oppose the internet channel (2.8 ± 1.3). Following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, respondents’ attitude towards purchasing consumer goods (3.65 ± 0.89) and medications (3.26 ± 0.91) online increased, however, the change regarding medications is significantly smaller (p < 0.01). A distinct increase in the frequency of buying medicines (from 49.16% to 55.48%) and health products (from 60.61% to 63.0%) online was measured since the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.05). Despite the relatively high prevalence witnessed in previous purchases, our results highlight the trend in which 18.3% of participants will definitely purchase medications online while a proportionate 17.7% will not in the future. Although long-term post-COVID attitudes towards the internet pharmacy channel have modestly increased, in comparison to previously published research the frequency of purchasing medications online has significantly increased during the past years. As national legislation in V4 countries permit only non-prescription online sales, our findings are primarily applicable to countries with similar regulatory environment. The rapid global spread of the coronavirus has transitionally affected medicinal purchase behaviors, augmenting potential public health concerns related to online sourcing. Consequently, public awareness campaigns are needed to promote verified online pharmacies and prevent the utilization of illicit websites and the use of unregistered, substandard and falsified medicinal products.

News Media Coverage of the Problem of Purchasing Fake Prescription Medicines on the Internet: Thematic Analysis

“…It contrasts with traditional “brick and mortar” pharmacies, which are associated with longer queues, less privacy, and shorter opening times. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the purchase of medicines via the internet [ 3 ]. A study conducted by researchers from Hungary found that the rate of medicines purchased on the internet increased from 4.2% in 2018 to 44.2% in March 2020 [ 3 ].…”

“…Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the purchase of medicines via the internet [ 3 ]. A study conducted by researchers from Hungary found that the rate of medicines purchased on the internet increased from 4.2% in 2018 to 44.2% in March 2020 [ 3 ].…”

Regulación de la venta de productos médicos por Internet: experiencias y estrategias para Latinoamérica

“…La concientización ciudadana se sugiere como estrategia de intervención temprana para controlar la venta de este tipo de productos ( 9 , 10 ). Las campañas de radio y televisión pueden ser efectivas para aumentar la conciencia.…”

“…Aunque la venta en línea de medicamentos tiene el aparente potencial de mejorar el acceso a los productos médicos, ofrecer transparencia de precios, y considerar las preferencias y privacidad del consumidor, tal y como se observó en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 ( 9 ), es necesario enmarcar esta opción de comercio con instrumentos legales y regulatorios adecuados, y una estrategia conjunta entre las Autoridades Reguladoras Nacionales (ARN) , las autoridades de comercio y la sociedad civil para proteger la seguridad de los pacientes ( 8 ).…”

Quality of dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate containing eye drops distributed online

“…According to the representative direct questionnaire survey of Fittler et al the respondents (n = 1055) already bought medicines (4.17 %) and other health products (18.4 %) via the internet ( Fittler et al, 2018a ). A significant increase in the frequency of buying medicines (55.48%) and health products (63.0%) online was measured in a recent online survey following the coronavirus pandemic ( Fittler et al, 2022 ). There are numerous patient safety risks associated with obtaining medicines outside the official supply chains.…”