Análisis de la publicidad de medicamentos en revistas espa？olas de ginecología

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.