Use of generic medicines in the Middle East: Knowledge, perceptions and experiences of the Sulaimani population, KRI, Iraq

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, perception, and experiences of the Sulaimani population in KRI, Iraq. A descriptive and cross-sectional survey was performed with 389 participants (283 male, 106 female) in the city of Sulaimani. The main method of collecting data was done through a questionnaire which was made up of two sections; firstly assessing the demographic characteristics of the sample population, and secondly assessing their knowledge towards generic medicines and their perceptions of generic medicine usage and purchasing intention. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.726 which is considered as an acceptable value to measure internal consistency of the sampled population. As a result, this study showed that the sampled population did not have sufficient knowledge about generic medicines and would therefore also not be considering replacing branded medicines with the generics. This is mostly related to poor awareness of generic medicines and lack of publicity or awareness campaigns surrounding generic medicines. This study recommends that authorities invest in publicizing the use of generics and implement public awareness campaigns.

Knowledge, perception and acceptance of generic drugs in the general Lebanese population: A cross-sectional survey among adults

“…5,6 In a recent study conducted in Iraq in 2021 on the general population, they believed that generic drugs have less efficacy (53.5%), lower quality (57.1%), and lower safety (46.3%) when compared to their brand counterparts. 8 A high percentage of the Lebanese population answered the knowledge-related questions with ‘I am not sure’, reflecting a lack of understanding and knowledge about generic drugs. A comparable finding was reported in a study conducted in Bulgaria, where most participants answered either ‘Don’t know’ (46%) or ‘Not sure’ (43%) when asked about the differences between branded and generic drugs.…”

“… 7 Moreover, the food and drug administration stated that generics should be similar in the pharmaceutical form, safety, strength, route of administration and clinical use but could be different in some aspects, such as inactive ingredients, colour and shape. 8 , 9 However, the use of generic medicines is restrained due to the limited knowledge and the negative perception of patients towards their quality, efficacy and safety. 10 Consequently, the perceived outcome of using generics to treat their conditions would be questioned (the nocebo effect).…”

COVID-19 Vaccination Among Diverse Population Groups in the Northern Governorates of Iraq

“…Iraq has experienced an alarming prevalence rate of COVID-19, with high daily reported new cases and hundreds of deaths reported monthly from June 2020. Therefore, combating COVID-19 in Iraq is only possible through vaccination [ 17 ]. However, vaccination hesitancy is still a big barrier to reaching high rates of vaccination in Iraq.…”

Lebanese pharmacists’ knowledge of generic drugs and factors affecting their use and selection following the pandemic and the economic crisis: A pilot cross-sectional study

“…6,7 The prescription of generic drugs provides a cost-effective solution to the high price of brands while conserving their quality and efficacy, resulting in considerable savings to healthcare budgets. 8,9…”

“…6,7 The prescription of generic drugs provides a cost-effective solution to the high price of brands while conserving their quality and efficacy, resulting in considerable savings to healthcare budgets. 8,9 Generic drugs usually offer a well-established safety profile, equivalent to that of the originator, and are subject to the same regulated supervision with pharmacovigilance regulations as stringent as for originator drugs. 10,11 The main difference between brand-name drugs and generic drugs is the cost.…”