Factors influencing the preference for purchasing generic drugs in a Southern Brazilian city

Abstract

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study is to identify factors associated with the preference for purchasing generic drugs in a medium-sized municipality in Southern Brazil.METHODSWe have analyzed data from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2012 with a sample of 2,856 adults (≥ 20 years old). The preference for purchasing generic drugs was the main outcome. The explanatory variables were the demographic and socioeconomic variables. Statistical analyses included Poisson regressions.RESULTSThe preference for purchasing generic drugs was 63.2% (95%CI 61.4–64.9). The variables correlated with this preference in the fully adjusted models were: male (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.08; 95%CI 1.03–1.14), age of 20–39 years (PR = 1.10; 95%CI 1.02–1.20), low socioeconomic status (PR = 1.15; 95%CI 1.03–1.28), and good knowledge about generic drugs (PR= 4.66; 95%CI 2.89–7.52). Among those who preferred to purchase generic drugs, 55.1% have reported accepting to replace the prescribed drug (if not a generic) with the equivalent generic drug. Another correlate of the preference for purchasing generic drugs was because individuals consider their quality equivalent to reference medicines (PR = 2.15; 95%CI 1.93–2.41).CONCLUSIONSKnowledge about generic drugs was the main correlate of the preference for purchasing generic drugs. The greater the knowledge or positive perception about generic drugs, the greater is the preference to purchase them. Therefore, educational campaigns for healthcare professionals and consumers appear to be the best strategy for expanding the use of generic drugs in Brazil.

Sub-Standard Pharmaceutical Services in Private Healthcare Facilities Serving Low-Income Settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya

“…Patients on the other hand tend to consider the cost of the treatment, perceived quality and efficacy. This outcome is in tandem with the observations of Guttier et al [28] that linked patient preference of generic products to perceived safety, efficacy, previous experience and financial ability. Some patients however, may prefer branded products due to previous experience or influence from the attending physician [29].…”

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Key Consideration for Evaluating Biosimilar Uptake?

“… 38 , 81 On the other hand, some patients may consider the lower price of biosimilars as an indication of lower quality. 81 , 82 …”

Conhecimento E Aceitação Dos Medicamentos Genéricos Por Usuários: Uma Revisão Integrativa

“…No estudo de Guttier et al,88,1% dos entrevistados tinham conhecimento de que os genéricos eram mais baratos que os de referência, 69,8% relatou saber que possuem qualidade equivalente, e 76,6% foram capazes de identificar corretamente as características relativas à embalagem que diferenciam os genéricos. Para a análise do reconhecimento da embalagem, foi apresentada uma imagem de um medicamento de referência e após um similar, com posterior questionamento se este era o genérico, 72% dos entrevistados disseram não ser o medicamento genérico e 28% disseram ser (GUTTIER et al, 2017).…”

“…No estudo de Guttier et al foi possível identificar que entre os entrevistados que preferiram os genéricos (63,2% n=1.804), usuários do sexo masculino tiveram maior preferência (61,04%), quando comparados às participantes do sexo feminino (38,96%). Com relação à idade, constatou-se que o aumento da idade é inversamente proporcional à preferência (20-39 anos = 42,13%; 40-59 anos = 37,42%; mais de 60 anos = 20,45%) (GUTTIER et al, 2017).…”

“…Guttier et al observaram que a preferência por medicamentos genéricos cresceu conforme o aumento do grau de escolaridade dos participantes: 57,4% para até quatro anos de estudo, 66,5% entre cinco e oito anos de estudo e 63,3% para nove ou mais anos de estudo (GUTTIER et al, 2017).…”