Evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and practice of generic drugs among intern doctors at a tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: The increasing health-care expenses are a major concern for the health-care proving system in the world. As stated by the World Health Organization, in the majority of developing countries out of pocket expenses may go as high as 80% of total health-care expenditures. In developing countries like India, the generic medicines are not widely prescribed due to lack of knowledge and awareness regarding generic medicines in both prescribers and in patients. Understanding of prescriber’s attitude and perceptions regarding the quality, efficacy, and safety of generic medicines may help to identify important barriers for better generic prescribing. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of generic medicines among intern doctors at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among intern doctors at a tertiary care teaching hospital using a questionnaire, consisting of questions related to knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding generic medicines. Data were analyzed by MS Excel. Results: A total of 105 (88%) interns responded to the questionnaire. Around 60% of interns agreed with that generic medicine can be used in place of innovator (patented) medicine. Among all the interns, 52.4% were aware of that generic medicine contains the same active ingredient as their counterpart innovator medicine. More than half of interns (55.2 %) were aware of Jan Aushadhi scheme launched by the Government of India. Around 69.5% of interns disagreed with that generic medicines cost less because they are inferior to innovator medicines. Majority of interns (88.6%) were of the opinion that there should be some training session to raise the knowledge and awareness about generic medicines. Around half of the interns (50.5%) had never switch a patient on innovator medicine to generic medicine. Only 1% was not in favor of supporting generic drug prescribing. Conclusion: Knowledge of intern doctors regarding concept and regulations about generic drugs is adequate. Although they prescribe a good number of generic drugs, concerns regarding quality, efficacy, safety, availability, and awareness are present among them. Hence, mass awareness programs and training sessions are required to address these concerns which may alter their prescribing behavior and can encourage for more use of generic medicines.