Medication safety perceptions in China: Media exposure, healthcare experiences, and trusted information sources

• Published in: Patient education and counseling Vol. 123; p. 108209
• Main Authors: Lu, Qianfeng, Schulz, Peter J., Chang, Angela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Internet health information; Mass media; Medication safety; Patient-centered communication; Patient-provider communication; TV; Medication safety; HINTS-China; Patient-provider communication; Patient-centered communication; Mass media; Internet health information; TCM
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108209

Amid ongoing medication safety concerns in China and limited research on public perceptions, this study investigates the correlations between media exposure, healthcare experiences, and individuals' perceptions of medication safety. It also examines individuals’ reliance on information sources during safety crises. A multistage stratified random sampling was employed with the gross sample containing 3090 Chinese adults aged 18–60 years. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Social media exposure was found to negatively correlate with perceptions of current medication safety and its perceived improvement, while exposure to television and print media showed positive correlations. Positive healthcare experiences were associated with improved medication safety perceptions. Among various information sources, healthcare professionals were deemed most trustworthy during medication safety incidents. Media exposure and personal healthcare experiences significantly shape individuals' perceptions of medication safety in China, with healthcare professionals playing a crucial role in this context. Practiceimplications: Effective health crisis communication in China needs to be multifaceted, integrating traditional media and social media platforms to disseminate accurate information broadly. Additionally, healthcare professionals should be actively involved in crisis communication. Their role as trusted sources can be leveraged to clarify misconceptions, and reassure the public during medication safety incidents. •TV/print media exposure is linked to better medication safety perceptions.•Social media exposure is linked to poorer medication safety perceptions.•Satisfactory healthcare experiences are linked to better medication safety perceptions.•Healthcare professionals are the most trusted source of information during medication safety crises.