Table 3.
A comparative evaluation of potential benefits and disadvantages of online drug shopping.
| Parameters | Evaluation, mean (SD) | |
| Potential benefits |
|
|
|
|
Convenient | 4.29 (1.07) |
|
|
People who cannot get to a pharmacy can also purchase products | 4.18 (1.11) |
|
|
I can purchase medicines after opening hours | 4.1 (1.19) |
|
|
I can access products which are otherwise not available for me | 3.34 (1.43) |
|
|
Fast | 3.71 (1.29) |
|
|
Products can be compared faster and more easily than in the pharmacy | 3.15 (1.34) |
|
|
Inexpensive | 2.87 (1.21) |
|
|
I can get more information compared to the pharmacy | 2.85 (1.43) |
|
|
I can get products with better quality compared to the pharmacy | 2.23 (1.19) |
| Potential disadvantages |
|
|
|
|
It is easier to abuse preparations | 4.24 (1.13) |
|
|
There is no control, so I can get products that I do not need or worsen my condition | 4.22 (1.06) |
|
|
I do not get proper information regarding the use of the products | 3.86 (1.06) |
|
|
Due to the delivery time, I'm getting the drug later compared to a pharmacy | 3.80 (1.15) |
|
|
The source of the product is not reliable | 3.78 (1.27) |
|
|
It is hard for me to choose between the great numbers of products | 3.70 (1.25) |
|
|
I do not get the right product | 3.65 (1.31) |
|
|
I receive counterfeit medicine | 3.61 (1.25) |
|
|
The quality of the product is lower compared than in local pharmacies | 3.20 (1.29) |