The prescribing of generic medicines in Nigeria: knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of physicians

Joseph O Fadare, Adekunle O. Adeoti, Olufemi O. Desalu, Okezie O. Enwere, Aliyu M. Makusidi, Olayinka Ogunleye, Taofeek O. Sunmonu, Ilse Truter, Onyinye O Akunne, Brian Godman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Generic medicines have the same efficacy and safety as originators at lower prices. However, there are concerns with their utilization in Nigeria. Evaluate physicians’ understanding and perception of generics. Questionnaire among physicians working in tertiary healthcare facilities in four geo-political regions of Nigeria. Response was 74.3% (191/257) among mainly males (85.9%). The mean knowledge score regarding generics was 5.3 (maximum of 9) with 36.6%, 36.1% and 27.2% having poor, average and good knowledge respectively. Cross-tabulation showed statistical significance (P = 0.047) with the duration of practice but not with position, subspecialty or sex. The majority did not agree that generic medicines are of lower quality than branded medicines. Therapeutic failure was a major concern in 82.7%, potentially discouraging prescribing of generics. Majority (63.9%) did not support generic substitution by pharmacists. Knowledge gaps were identified especially with the perception of generics. These need to be addressed.
Original languageEnglish
JournalExpert Review of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research
Early online date28 Dec 2015
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Dec 2015

Keywords

  • generics
  • generic substitution
  • Nigeria
  • physicians’ knowledge and attitudes
  • prescribing

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