Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION TOWARDS GENERIC MEDICINES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

*Dr. D. Ganesh Kumar, Dr. R. Kavitha, Dr. Seshathri E. and H. Gladius Jennifer

ABSTRACT

Background: Use of generic medicine is important to reduce rising health care costs. It is essential to impart proper knowledge towards generic medicines among undergraduate medical students. Hence this study was conducted. Objective: To study the knowledge and perception about generic medicines among undergraduate (UG) medical students in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 UG medical students. Primary data were collected by self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics method and results were expressed in Percentage. Results: Among 100 students age ranged from 18-22 years, with them Male 42%, Female 58% participated. Only 13% respondents provided the correct value of the regulatory bioequivalence limits. Total score of knowledge about generic medicine ranged from 13 – 26 with mean 19.25 + 2.52. Total score of perception about generic medicine ranged from 13-30 with mean 22.67 + 3.75. Conclusion: There was a significant knowledge gap with regard to the regulatory bioequivalence limits for generic medicines and use of these medicines which must be corrected through appropriate education. Deficiencies in the study were noted and we intend to strengthen knowledge about generic medicines through continuous training for the undergraduate students.

Keywords: generic medicine, knowledge, perception.