Abstract

Background: Because of its affordability, the use of generic drugs and generic substitution is highly encouraged in most developing countries. However, the safety, quality and efficacy issues of generic products are of top concerns for health professionals.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward generic medicines in Bahir Dar city.

Methods: The study was conducted in all community retail outlets in Bahir Dar city from May 25, 2019 - June 25, 2019. Facility based cross-sectional study was used and the data collection tool were self-administered questionnaire.

Results: A total of 102 questionnaires were distributed to community pharmacists of whom 92 were returned. The mean total score for knowledge on generic medicines was 22.9 ± 4.9. More than half of the respondents, 53(57.6%), were above the mean score. While only 40(43.5%) of respondents for attitudes towards generic medicine and 41(44.6%) of respondents for the practice of dispensing generic medicine, were above the mean score. Years of practice, institution of graduation and average monthly salary showed significant differences (P<0.05) in their response to knowledge questions. While for their response for practice of dispensing generic medicines, only institution indicated significant differences. On the other hand, educational status, age and membership for professional association found significant differences in their response to attitude questions.

Conclusions: More than half of the study participants’ knowledge on generic medicine was above the mean score, while majority of pharmacists’ attitude and practice of dispensing generic medicines were below the mean score.

Keywords: Generic medicines; Community pharmacists; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice