Knowledge, perceptions and use of generic drugs: a cross sectional study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacoeconomics
• Health Literacy
• Public Health

Background:

• Generic drugs offer a cost-effective alternative to branded medications.
• Understanding public knowledge and perceptions is crucial for promoting generic drug utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess laypersons' knowledge, perceptions, and usage patterns of generic drugs.
• To identify factors influencing the acceptance and use of generic medications.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 278 volunteers.
• Data collected via a questionnaire assessing knowledge, perceptions, and usage of generic drugs.

Main Results:

• High awareness (99.6%) of generic drugs, but low correct definition (48.6%).
• Strong belief in generic drug efficacy (79.1%) and cost savings (88.8%).
• Price is a major driver for generic drug purchases (80.2%).

Conclusions:

• The lay public demonstrates adequate knowledge regarding generic drug definition, efficacy, and cost.
• High likelihood of generic drug use among the study participants.
• Need for programs to enhance generic drug prescriptions by medical practitioners.