Three out of 5 people who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease do not trust drugmakers, a recent study found.
Researchers, who published their results March 14 in JAMA, surveyed about 3,000 people at high risk of cardiovascular disease, which is defined as those between the ages of 40 and 64 who currently smoke, have high cholesterol or have a body mass index over 25.
The survey asked participants to rate their level of trust in the pharmaceutical industry, and the researchers compared answers to demographic information. About 60 percent said they do not trust the industry, and lack of trust was higher among those in poor health, people who do not have a usual source of care, residents in Western states and individuals with an independent political affiliation.
The findings "rais[es] concerns that vulnerable populations have experiences where trust has been broken," the researchers wrote in conclusion. "This also raises concerns about poor medication adherence and lack of treatment-seeking behavior in vulnerable populations."