Survey of consumer users of a statewide drug information service

A survey of consumers who had used a state-supported drug information center (DIC) was conducted to determine reasons for and frequency of use of the DIC and opinions about the services of the DIC. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) mailed questionnaires to 281 lay persons who had requested information about use of prescription or nonprescription drugs. The questionnaires were sent only to callers who responded affirmatively when asked to participate in the survey. Of 154 (54.8%) respondents (83.8% women), 40.9% were using no prescription drugs at the time of the survey and 83.8% purchased fewer than two nonprescription drugs per month. Approximately 44% said they tried to obtain drug information at least once per month. Pharmacists were named as the most frequent source of drug information for nonprescription drugs, but information about prescription drugs was sought more frequently from physicians and reference books. APDIC was mentioned most frequently as a source of information about all drugs (both prescription and nonprescription). Nearly all respondents said the information from APDIC was helpful and the service should be continued. Drug information consumers looked to this DIC to meet a demand not being met by pharmacists or physicians in the community. Consumers viewed the information as valuable and used this service because it was available and accessible.