Influences on interactions between physicians in the public and private sectors and medical representatives in Yemen

Abstract

Objective This study aims to assess the relative importance of attitude and subjective norms as well as physicians' characteristics and practice-setting factors in predicting the outcome of physicians' interactions with MRs.

Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a convenience sample of 602 physicians in Sana'a, Yemen. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analyses. The t-test/Mann–Whitney test and ANOVA/Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc analysis, principal component analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were applied at an a priori significance level of 0.05.

Key findings The response rate was 76.5%. Results showed that physicians who see a greater number of MRs per week or have academic affiliations were significantly more likely to have received high/low-value promotional items than were those who saw fewer MRs or have no academic affiliations (P values < 0.001 and 0.021, respectively). Also male physicians and physicians who have private clinics were significantly more likely to have received high-value promotional items (P value < 0.001). Three out of five hypotheses were supported (physicians' belief in the appropriateness of accepting high/low-value pharmaceutical companies' promotional techniques relate positively and significantly to their behaviour of interactions with MRs, and physicians' attitudes towards pharmaceutical companies relates positively and significantly to their interactions with MRs).

Conclusion Physicians in Yemen consider most of the promotional techniques as normal practice. The article provides empirical evidence for policymakers in developing countries in general, and Yemen specifically, to develop suitable policies and regulations for drug promotion.