Global trust study reveals emerging trends in self-care

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Geneva, Switzerland, July 24, 2020 – A global report released by The Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) on International Self-Care Day today, highlights how perceptions of, and trust in the self-care industry differs by region and audience polled. Self-care is the ability of individuals to manage their own health through products including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and dietary supplements, diagnostics devices and medical/other devices. Professional stakeholders, including NGOs, policymakers, and patient advocacy groups, trust the self-care industry in Europe the most. Regulation is the main differentiator driving the varying degrees of trust across regions.

“Personalised health and medicines have become priorities during the coronavirus pandemic as people increasingly care from home,” said Judy Stenmark, Director General of The Global Self-Care Federation. “Consumers today want more control than ever before. Improving policy and regulation is crucial to strengthening the perception of the industry and will allow for the correct structures to be put in place to enable people to make the right decisions. GSCF has released a Code of Ethics to establish best practice across the industry.”

Findings show that consumer trust in the industry is high (74%), with over-the-counter medicines (OTC) ranking as one of the most trusted sectors for both consumers and professional stakeholders. Product efficacy, safety and regulation are the main drivers of trust and are crucial to responsible self-care. When asked to name their most trusted sources of information relating to the self-care industry, peer-reviewed scientific journals came out on top for professional stakeholders. For consumers, healthcare practitioners were the most trusted sources for information to manage their own health.   

 

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About The Global Self-Care Federation

The Global Self-Care Federation represents associations and manufacturers in the self-care industry, promoting sustainable and better global health outcomes for all. The Global Self-Care Federation is the go-to source of information for the self-care industry. We work closely with our members and relevant stakeholder groups to deliver better choice, better care and better value. By placing the benefits of self-care at the heart of what we do, promoting industry transparency, and supporting the regulated use of health data, we ensure that self-care continues to play its increasingly vital role in sustainable healthcare, worldwide. For more information please visit: www.selfcarefederation.org

About International Self-Care Day

International Self-Care Day is held annually on July 24th (7/24), to highlight that the benefits of self-care are experienced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. International Self-Care Day raises awareness of the value of self-care and the benefit that effective self-care can bring to both individuals and healthcare systems as a vital foundation of health.

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