RESEARCH ARTICLE: Evaluation of knowledge and perception of students studying health related courses in Saudi universities regarding generic medicines and generic substitution: A cross-sectional study
Keywords:
Generic Medicines, Generic Substitution, Knowledge, Perceptions, Saudi ArabiaAbstract
Objectives: To evaluate knowledge and perceptions of students studying healthcare related courses at Saudi universities about generic medicines and generic substitution in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study using a validated and pilot-tested 19-item questionnaire was conducted between January and March 2017. Senior undergraduate students studying medicine, dentistry or pharmacy were eligible for participation.
Results: Two hundred and fifty-two students completed the questionnaire. Of these 252, 138 were male and 114 were female. Overall, students had poor knowledge with no statistically significant differences across study discipline or year of study. Over half (54%) of the participants correctly responded that generic medicines are bioequivalent to the brand- name medicines. Merely, less than half (43%) correctly stated that both brand-name medicines and generic medicines should have the same dose.
Conclusion: Healthcare students had poor knowledge about generic medicines and generic substitution suggesting a need to improve content and delivery of topics related to these areas in the curricula to ensure better understanding among future practitioners about generic medicine and generic substitution.
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