Public Awareness, Utilization, and Perception of Generic Medicines: A Cross-Sectional Study of Demographic and Socioeconomic Determinants

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigates public awareness, utilization patterns, and perceptions of generic medicines, focusing on demographic and socioeconomic determinants. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey among 300 respondents recruited via convenience sampling from rural and urban areas, covering diverse age groups, genders, educational backgrounds, and occupations. The structured instrument included close-ended questions on awareness, sources of information, preference for generic versus branded medicines, perceived effectiveness, cost comparison, availability, healthcare professional recommendations, satisfaction, trust, side effects, and knowledge of government schemes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages. Our results indicate that 71.3% of respondents were aware of generic medicines, with doctors (28.7%) and media/internet (27.0%) serving as primary information sources. Furthermore, 66.0% recognized that generic medicines are less expensive than branded alternatives. Preference for generic medicines was reported by 48.0%, while 36.3% preferred branded products. Regular use of generic medicines was observed in 34.3% of participants, and 55.7% found them easily available. Perceived effectiveness was high, with 57.3% considering generic medicines effective, and satisfaction was expressed by 60.3%. Trust in generic medicines was reported by 56.3% of respondents. However, awareness of government generic medicine schemes remained limited to only 40.7%. Doctor and pharmacist recommendations were received by 52.3% and 58.7% of participants, respectively. Side effects were experienced by 24.0% of users, and 54.3% reported self-medication with generic medicines.