Public knowledge, perception, and experience with generic medications in Saudi Arabia

To assess the public knowledge and perception about generic medications in Saudi Arabia, and their willingness to use generic medications.

This cross-sectional, online-questionnaire-based study was conducted between May and July 2019, including participants who can read and complete an Arabic online survey. Chi-square test and contingency coeficient were used to investigate differences in different segments of participants and assess the association between knowledge and perception. Results: A total of 397 participants have completed the survey. One-half of them were female, the majority were of young age (less than 35 years), and 40% of them were buying their medications independently. Only 40.5% of participants had adequate knowledge and 60% of them had positive perception on generics. Participants with higher level of education were more likely to have adequate knowledge (p=0.002) and positive perception (p=0.006). The study found a moderate relationship between knowledge and perception about generics (standardized C=0.35, p less than 0.001). The country of origin for medications was a significant indicator of quality for two-thirds of participants, and one-half of them believed that local generics can compete with imported ones. About one-half of participants used generics and the majority of them were satis ed with their experience.

There is a general lack of knowledge, while having a positive perception on generic medications among the general public in Saudi Arabia. Future studies should focus on strategies to improve it and assess its cost-savings consequences while maintaining quality of care.