Generic drug prescribing in central Saudi Arabia : Perceptions and attitudes of physicians.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Physicians play a key role in generic drug prescribing, but their behavior is affected by many determinants. We examined physician practices and attitudes and other factors influencing the prescription of generic drugs. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from a random sample of physi-cians from different settings in central Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed to describe all variables and test any significant difference between groups of physicians. Results: The study included 772 physicians from different affiliations. The majority of physicians (n=741, 96%) reported that they knew enough about the therapeutic value of generic drugs. The majority (75%) reported that they knew the price differences, and this knowledge helped 72% of them to switch to generic prescription medication. Most physicians (79%) support generic substitution, but they indicated that there are certain clini-cal situations where they prefer to use brand name drugs. Physicians reported receiving visits and samples more frequently from representatives of brand name companies. Physicians did not report a significant difference in pressure from patients to prescribe either generic or brand drugs. Most physicians had a positive attitude towards the government role in assuring the quality of local drug products (80%) and in enforcing physicians to prescribe generic drugs (85%). Conclusion: Physicians face competing forces to prescribe either brand name or generic drugs. The majority support generic drug substitution. There are multiple factors that support prescription of generic drugs.