[Analysis of drug advertising in Spanish gynecology journals].

OBJECTIVES: To determine advertising pressure in three Spanish gynecology journals, to describe the characteristics of the drugs advertised and to analyze compliance with current regulatory standards in drug advertisements.

METHODS: We identified the number of advertisements, the characteristics of the drugs advertised, the minimum information required by legislation and the advertising message in the selected journals.

RESULTS: A total of 139 advertisements were identified, corresponding to 33 distinct products (28 prescription medicines and five over-the-counter drugs). Advertising pressures were 18.13% in Progresos de Obstetricia y Ginecología, 16.18% in Acta Ginecológica and 5.21% in Clínica e Investigación en Ginecología y Obstetricia. Legislative failure occurred in 82.14% of the advertisements and in 22.22% of slogans, while 41.46% of advertising messages were misleading.

CONCLUSION: A critical attitude to advertising among health professionals is advisable. Information contained in advertisements should be contrasted with official and other independent sources.