Knowledge and perceptions of medical students about generic medicines in a medical college in North India

Abstract

Introduction: Prescription of generic drugs reduces the out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines by the patients. However, the lack of knowledge about generic medicines and unfavourable attitude toward them can adversely impact their prescription by doctors, as well as utilization by the patients. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students toward generic medicines. Materials and Methods: It was questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. The study participants were final year MBBS students. Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval and written informed consent of study participants were taken before starting the study. SPSS software version 26 was used for the data analysis. Results: A total of 82 participants were included in this study, 52.4% were male and 47.6% female. Fifty-two (63.41%) students were aware that generic medicines are interchangeable with innovator drugs. Forty-two (51.21%) students knew that generic medicine can be marketed after expiry date of patent drug. 91.46% agreed that generic medicines have the same strength, safety, and effectiveness as brand name medicines. 47 (57.31%) students were aware of Jan Aushadhi scheme and 62 (75.60%) participants knew that generic medicines are bioequivalent to brand name medicines. Perception: Sixty-one (74.3%) felt that use of generic medicines can decrease health-care expenditure. Fifty-seven (69.5%) students felt that the rationale behind prescribing generic medicine must be discussed with the patients while 46 (56.1%) students disagreed that therapeutic failure is more with generic medicines. Conclusion: Our study shows that medical students have inadequate knowledge but favourable attitude toward generic medicines. Regular awareness and training programs should be held for doctors, students, and general public, for enhancing the knowledge and positive perceptions toward generic medicines.