Abstract

PATIENTS' KNOWLEDGE , ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION ABOUT GENERIC PHARMACEUTICALS IN KHARTOUM NORTH, TOWN CENTER, SUDAN.

Mayada Mohamed Elfateh Mousa, Kamal Addin Mohammad Ahmad Idris*

Abstract

Introduction: This study, up to the best of our knowledge, is the first of its kind in Sudan. The low-cost generic pharmaceuticals secure the needed availability, affordability and accessibility for patients, especially in developing countries. The patients' knowledge, and positive attitude and perception towards generics, promote their trust, acceptance and the ultimate use. Objective: Main study objective was to explore the patients' knowledge, attitude and perception towards generic medicines. Materials and Methods: One hundred (n=100) purposively selected patients in Khartoum North, Town center, Sudan; were addressed with a structured, open to answer, pre-piloted questionnaire of twenty nine (29) questions. Resultshowed a young participants‟ population (40.5 years), femaleswere (62%). Majority (85%) had secondary schools education and above. Majority (68%) were aware of the differences between generic and branded medicines. Only (45%) didn‟t believe in generics‟ safety and effectiveness. Majority (80%) didn‟t endorse price as a pressing reason for use of generics. Majority (81%) preferred branded medicines for severe ailments, and majority (52%) did not agree on generics substitution. Majority (65%) didn't rely on pharmacist's choice for their over- the –counter medications. Participants‟ age and income had a significant correlation with their use of generics (P 0.000, 0.03). Conclusion: The study results suggest that the participants had good knowledge, but poor attitude and perception towards generic pharmaceuticals. Though medications' prices are main barriers to medications' accessibility, yet, they were poor considered by the participants. Recommendation: A nation-wide campaigns for educating, coaching, and motivating patients, pharmacists, and prescribers about generics‟ merits, shall be launched to encourage more use of generics.

Keywords: Sudanese, patients, knowledge, attitude, perception, generics.