Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Sun, Sep 1, 2024
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Volume 38, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Med J Islam Repub Iran 2024 |
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Nakipov Z, Kaliyeva D, Turgambayeva A, Kerimbayeva Z, Arystanov Z, Arystanova T, et al . Physicians’ Knowledge and Attitude about Generic Drugs in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2024; 38 (1) :433-440
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9000-en.html
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9000-en.html
Zandulla Nakipov 
, Dinara Kaliyeva , Assiya Turgambayeva , Zakira Kerimbayeva , Zhalgaskali Arystanov , Tanagul Arystanova , Nellya Ivanchenko , Nabil Joseph Awadalla
, Dinara Kaliyeva , Assiya Turgambayeva , Zakira Kerimbayeva , Zhalgaskali Arystanov , Tanagul Arystanova , Nellya Ivanchenko , Nabil Joseph Awadalla
Department of Public Health and Management, NJSC Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan , assiya739@gmail.com & tak1973@mail.ru
Abstract: (223 Views)
Background: One of the most effective measures to reduce the cost of medicines for both the healthcare system and patients is the use of generic drugs (GDs). The objective of this study was to identify the physicians’ level of knowledge and attitude toward GDs.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted based on a specially designed validated questionnaire of 19 items. The survey was attended by doctors of various specialties working in polyclinics in six regions in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Construct validity was assessed through principal component factor analysis, whereas reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Group differences were assessed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests when comparing two and more than two groups, respectively.
Results: The study involved 450 physicians. Only 260 (57.8%) believed that GDs are bioequivalent to the brand name drug (strongly agree and agree). About 202 (45%) of respondents doubt the effectiveness of GDs, and 144 (32%) assumed that they cause more side effects compared to similar branded drugs. Also, the majority of the respondents 320 (71.2%) felt that branded drugs should be held to higher safety standards than GDs. Approximately 338 (75%) of the physicians positively expressed that both physicians and pharmacists need standardized guidelines for the brand name substitution process. Further, 372 (82.7%) proposed that more information about the safety and efficacy of GD is needed. Also, 326 (72.4%), 314 (88.2%), and 85 (18.9%) of the respondents assumed that patients’ socio-economic factors, trust in manufacturers/suppliers, and bonuses on products respectively influence the prescribing of medicines.
Conclusion: Although the study indicated that physicians in the Republic of Kazakhstan are acknowledging the use of GDs, concerns about the effectiveness and safety of GDs remain high. To enhance the use of GDs, physicians' targeted educational programs on GDs' bioequivalence, safety, and efficacy should be implemented.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted based on a specially designed validated questionnaire of 19 items. The survey was attended by doctors of various specialties working in polyclinics in six regions in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Construct validity was assessed through principal component factor analysis, whereas reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Group differences were assessed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests when comparing two and more than two groups, respectively.
Results: The study involved 450 physicians. Only 260 (57.8%) believed that GDs are bioequivalent to the brand name drug (strongly agree and agree). About 202 (45%) of respondents doubt the effectiveness of GDs, and 144 (32%) assumed that they cause more side effects compared to similar branded drugs. Also, the majority of the respondents 320 (71.2%) felt that branded drugs should be held to higher safety standards than GDs. Approximately 338 (75%) of the physicians positively expressed that both physicians and pharmacists need standardized guidelines for the brand name substitution process. Further, 372 (82.7%) proposed that more information about the safety and efficacy of GD is needed. Also, 326 (72.4%), 314 (88.2%), and 85 (18.9%) of the respondents assumed that patients’ socio-economic factors, trust in manufacturers/suppliers, and bonuses on products respectively influence the prescribing of medicines.
Conclusion: Although the study indicated that physicians in the Republic of Kazakhstan are acknowledging the use of GDs, concerns about the effectiveness and safety of GDs remain high. To enhance the use of GDs, physicians' targeted educational programs on GDs' bioequivalence, safety, and efficacy should be implemented.
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Health
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