INFORMATION SECURITY OF CONSUMERS INTERACTING WITH ONLINE PHARMACY

Abstract

Aim of research. To assess current condition of information security for consumers, using online pharmacy services in Russian Federation.

Material and methods. We analyzed 92 questionnaires from consumers living in different cities of Russia and 105 questionnaires from pharmaceutical industry specialists, obtained during a sociological survey on the Internet using originally developed questionnaires.

Results. The experts correctly noted 6 out of 7 types of information that is the most important for consumers about prescription of drugs, except for the expiration date. For over-the-counter drugs, 6 out of 9 types were noted. The expiration date, manufacturer and analogues on the market were chosen by the experts less often. According to the GAP theory, there is a type I gap in the specialists’ understanding of the most important information for consumers about over-the-counter drugs.

Conclusion. Despite the presence of a type one gap, the risks to information security of consumers interacting with online pharmacies to purchase prescription and over-the-counter drugs remain minimal.