Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices of community pharmacists about generic medicine in Nigeria

Background Although generic medicines are used extensively in Nigeria information from community pharmacists about these drugs are scanty and therefore inadequate. This is why this study has been designed to bridge the knowledge gap, attitudes, as well as the perception and practice of community pharmacists about generic medicines in Nigeria. Method A questionnaire-guided cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 380 community pharmacists who were randomly selected from community pharmacies between April and June 2019 in Southwestern Nigeria. Data generated in the course of this study was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Chi-square was used to test proportions and to determine associations between categorical variables. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was used to determine correlation between dependent variables. Result Mean knowledge score of community pharmacists about generic medicines(GM) was 5.6 ± 2.9 out of a total maximum score of 10. Results showed that 47.9% of respondents had poor knowledge, 27.6% average knowledge and 24.5% good knowledge about GM. Knowledge was significantly associated (p = .000) with all demographic characteristics except professional qualifications. A majority (89%) of the respondents were of the view that patients need more explanations when GMs are dispensed to them. In addition, 90.3% of the respondents were of the opinion that GM will improve access to medicine because they are cheaper and easily affordable. About 93% practice generic substitution without consulting prescribing physicians. Furthermore, 85% of the respondents claim they stock mainly GMs. Conclusion Community pharmacists in Nigeria had a positive attitude, perception and practice about GM, but exhibited sub-optimal knowledge in understanding issues concerning generic medicines. It is concluded that there is the need for continuous training and education to enhance professional knowledge of pharmacists in the area of GM substitution.