Extent of physician–pharmaceutical industry interactions in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Pharmaceutical companies spend large amounts of money promoting their products to physicians. There is evidence that physicians’ interactions with pharmaceutical companies negatively affect their prescribing patterns. This study aimed to systematically review the extent of the relationship between physicians and pharmaceutical companies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).<br />Findings: Pharmaceutical company representatives visited at least 90% of physicians in LMICs. Printed material, stationery items and drug samples were the most frequently received gifts Pharmaceutical companies used inducements, gift-giving, building personal relationships, creating a sense of indebtedness and emotional blackmailing to influence physician prescribing behaviours. Regulating physicians' interactions with pharmaceutical companies is necessary in LMICs, given the current extent of interactions.

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Fadlallah F, Alkhaled L, Brax H, Nasser M, Mhd Hashem R, Nass H et al. Extent of physician–pharmaceutical industry interactions in low- and middle- income countries: a systematic review. European Journal of Public Health. 2017;28(2):224-230. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx204