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Knowledge, Perception and Attitude Regarding Generic Medicines among Iraqi Physicians
Layla Abdullah Mahdi1, Dheyaa Jabbar Kadhim1, Ali Azeez Al-Jumaili1,2
1University of Baghdad College of Pharmacy, Baghdad, Iraq.
Innovations in Pharmacy
|May 21, 2021
Summary
Iraqi physicians demonstrated poor knowledge and negative perceptions of generic medicines, with significant gaps in understanding their efficacy and safety compared to brand-name drugs.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Health Policy
- Medical Education
Background:
- Generic medicines offer cost-effective alternatives to branded drugs.
- Physician knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes significantly influence prescribing patterns.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for promoting rational medicine use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Iraqi physicians' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards generic and locally manufactured medicines.
- To identify gaps in understanding regarding the therapeutic equivalence, safety, and quality of generic drugs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 124 physicians from five public hospitals in Baghdad.
- Data collected via self-administered questionnaires.
- Fisher's Exact Test used for statistical analysis of associations.
Main Results:
- A majority of physicians lacked accurate knowledge about generic medicines' therapeutic equivalence and safety standards.
- Negative perceptions were prevalent, with many viewing generics as lower quality and having more side effects.
- While willing to prescribe low-cost medicines, only half offered generics, and many were uncomfortable with pharmacist substitution.
Conclusions:
- Iraqi physicians generally hold negative views and attitudes towards generic and locally manufactured medicines.
- Significant deficits in knowledge and perception concerning the efficacy and safety of generic medicines were identified.
- Addressing these knowledge and perception gaps is essential for improving the utilization of cost-effective generic medications.
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