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

Fadare, Joseph O and Adeoti, Adekunle O. and Desalu, Olufemi O. and Enwere, Okezie O. and Makusidi, Aliyu M. and Ogunleye, Olayinka and Sunmonu, Taofeek O. and Truter, Ilse and Akunne, Onyinye O and Godman, Brian (2015) The prescribing of generic medicines in Nigeria : knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of physicians. Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. ISSN 1473-7167 (https://doi.org/10.1586/14737167.2016.1120673)

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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.

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