Assessment of knowledge and attitude toward generic drugs among interns and residents in tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Costly health-care expenditure is a serious concern in overall worldwide health-care system. Increased usage of generic medicines can improve affordability of the health-care delivery system without compromising the quality. However, prescribing pattern of generic medicine has always been a matter of controversy, as there has been discrepancy regarding generic medicine selection amongst doctors. The assessment of doctor’s perceptions and knowledge about generic medicines can help in recognizing possible barriers to better generic medicine usage. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate knowledge and attitude toward generic medicines among resident and intern doctors at tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional, observational, questionnaire-based study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Gujarat. Pre-validated, self-developed questionnaire was distributed in the form of Google document to assess knowledge, attitude, and prescribing pattern of generic drugs among interns and residents. Appropriate statistical tests were applied for analyzing collected data. Results: A total of 223 candidates responded comprised 124 interns (55.6%) and 99 residents (44.4%). Out of total respondents, 42 (18.9%) respondents agreed to the statement that “generic drugs have more side effects as compared to branded drugs,” whereas 71.3% agreed that they would recommend generic drugs for specific chemoprophylaxis. Conclusion: Majority of doctors found to be having good knowledge and positive attitude toward usage of generic drugs. Majority of doctors found to be having good knowledge and positive attitude toward usage of generic drugs, nevertheless, accountable number of doctors found to be lacking knowledge in regulatory and technical aspects of pharmacokinetic and bio-equivalence parameters of generic drugs. An educational program or seminars should be conducted to enhance the knowledge of and promote the practice of generic medicines in tertiary care teaching hospital.