2002 AARP Oregon Prescription Drug Survey
With state funding, Oregon Health Sciences University has been reviewing studies of the safety and effectiveness of a variety of prescription drugs. This AARP survey assesses the importance of such information to consumers, and gauges the support of older Oregonians for the state's continued funding of this research.
The survey found that...
- many older Oregonians have not talked with their physician or pharmacist about alternative medications for the same ailment that might have different side effects, precautions, or ingredients that might be better for them
- most older Oregonians feel that it is important to have a comparative guide to prescription drugs available to all consumers as well as to doctors and pharmacists
- most older Oregonians say it is very important that the state make prescription drugs more affordable to those in need
- most older Oregonians support a prescription drug assistance program for lower income seniors even if they themselves may not be eligible, and even if it means that the state might have to allocate new or reallocate existing funds to pay for it
Between October 21 and 30, a random telephone survey of 801 age 50+ Oregonians was conducted Woelfel Research Inc. The report was prepared by Jennifer H. Sauer, M.A., of AARP Knowledge Management who may be contacted at 202/434-6207 for further information. (17 pages)