TITLE:
The Influence of Pharmaceutical Brochures on the Prescribing Habits of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Qatar: A Questionnaire-Based Study
AUTHORS:
Stanley Jones, Sumukh Khandekar, Balaji Talaseela, Mohammed Mansur Ali, Farhan Siraj, Ahmed Kamhawy, Shriya Khandekar
KEYWORDS:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Orthopaedic Surgeons, Pharmaceutical Brochures
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
21,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Pharmaceutical marketing, including the use of printed brochures, is a common method to promote both new and existing medications. However, its influence on clinical practice, particularly in specialties such as orthopaedics, remains underexplored. Objective: To evaluate whether pharmaceutical brochures affect the prescribing practices of orthopaedic surgeons in Qatar, specifically regarding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed to orthopaedic surgeons practicing in Qatar between January and March 2025. Data on the reception and perceived influence of drug brochures were collected and analyzed. Results: Of 27 surgeons contacted, 22 responded (81%). All respondents reported prescribing NSAIDs. While 90% received pharmaceutical brochures regularly, only 14% reported that these brochures could influence their prescribing habits. The majority either discarded the brochures without reading them or read them and then discarded them immediately. Conclusion: Despite widespread dissemination, pharmaceutical brochures appear to have minimal influence on the prescribing patterns of orthopaedic surgeons in Qatar. Further research is needed to understand the nuances of pharmaceutical marketing and its long-term effects on prescribing behavior.