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J Young Pharm 13 3 417

This study investigates the knowledge and perceptions of pharmacy students in India regarding generic medicines, comparing B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Pharm.D students. Results indicate significant disparities in understanding the efficacy, safety, and economic advantages of generic drugs among different pharmacy education levels. The findings highlight the need for improved education on generic medicines within pharmacy curricula to enhance student knowledge and consumer access to affordable medications.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
19 views7 pages

J Young Pharm 13 3 417

This study investigates the knowledge and perceptions of pharmacy students in India regarding generic medicines, comparing B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Pharm.D students. Results indicate significant disparities in understanding the efficacy, safety, and economic advantages of generic drugs among different pharmacy education levels. The findings highlight the need for improved education on generic medicines within pharmacy curricula to enhance student knowledge and consumer access to affordable medications.

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Knowledge and Perception of Pharmacy Students about Generic Medicine in


India: Web-based Cross-sectional Study

Article in Journal of Young Pharmacists · December 2021


DOI: 10.5530/jyp.2021.13.100

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J Young Pharm, 2021; 13(4) : 417-422
A multifaceted peer reviewed journal in the field of Pharmacy Original Article
www.jyoungpharm.org | www.phcog.net

Knowledge and Perception of Pharmacy Students about Generic


Medicine in India: Web-based Cross-sectional Study
Amar Prashad Chaudhary*, Adna Nelson K, Narayan Sah Sonar, Jamuna TR
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Mallige College of Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, INDIA.

ABSTRACT
Background: Globally, India being the largest provider of generic drugs, edge regarding efficacy, adverse effects, and safety of generic medicine
the students of all cadres of pharmacy need to have proper knowledge among these cadres with a P-value less than <0.001***. While comparing
about generic drugs and their significance in the market, as well as in the the perception of these cadres about the generic drug, there is a statisti-
lives of the consumers of the country. Objectives: The principal aim of this cally significant vast difference. Conclusion: This study finds a significant
study is to compare and comprehend the knowledge and perceptions of disparity in knowledge and perceptions of generic medications across
B.Pharm, M.Pharm and Pharm.D students regarding generic medications. B.Pharm, M.Pharm and Pharm.D students.
Methods: A cross-sectional web-based investigation was conducted for Key words: B.Pharm, M.Pharm and Pharm.D, Generic medicine, Branded
this study in September 2020. For this study, a semi-structured question- medicine, Pharmacy.
naire of 22 items with four sections was constructed. They are the social Correspondence
demographic section, overall knowledge of generic medicine section, safety
Dr. Amar Prashad Chaudhary,
and efficacy of generic medicine section and the perception section. For
this study, a quantitative analysis was carried out. Results: Significant Department of Pharmacy Practice, Mallige College of Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi
University of Health Sciences, Bangalore-560090, Karnataka, INDIA.
difference exists in knowledge among these cadres regarding the marketing
of generic medicine after the expiry of the patent right of innovator drug Email id: [email protected]
with a P-value of <0.01**. It is found that there exists a difference in knowl- DOI: 10.5530/jyp.2021.13.100

INTRODUCTION
According to the WHO, about half of Asia and Africa’s population lacks Pharm.D degree, which was introduced in 2008 as a clinically oriented
access to essential medications. India’s situation is not much better, with pharmacy degree. These degrees include generic medicine subjects in
health care spending accounting for only 1.2% of GDP and a per capita their curricula, but they do not cover every facet of the field.
health expenditure of USD 160, well below the OECD (Organization for To the best of the author’s knowledge, no similar research has been
Economic Cooperation and Development) average of USD 3484.1 Drug conducted in India to compare the knowledge and perception of generic
prices are projected to account for two-thirds of total healthcare costs. medicine among diverse pharmacy cadres (B.Pharm, Pharm.D, and
According to Vandana et al., medicines are out of reach for economi- M.Pharm). As a result, the purpose of this study is to fill this knowledge
cally disadvantaged people in India.2 One of the reasons for the lower gap by comparing B.Pharm, Pharm.D, and Mpharm students’ under-
economic segment of the population’s lack of access to drugs is the standing and perceptions of generic medicine.
exorbitant cost of branded medicines. To meet drug demand and reduce
budgetary expenditure on drugs, the marketing of generic medicines is a MATERIALS AND METHODS
viable alternative that is 20% to 90% less expensive than the brand-name
counterpart.3,4 Study design and study period
The pharmacist is critical for generic medicine promotion because they In September 2020, a six-month cross-sectional web-based survey was
are directly involved in the formulation and dispensing of the medication. conducted. This study engaged pharmacy students from Bangalore and
Pharmacists’ clinical activities have advanced significantly over the last other regions of South India who had access to the internet and were
decade to ensure the appropriate and economical use of medications.4 active on social media. This study adhered strictly to the Strengthening
However, successful generic medicine utilization is only achievable the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE)
when pharmacists receive proper training in generic drugs as part of standards for reporting.6,7
their degrees.
In India, a variety of pharmacy degrees are available, including the Development of questionnaire
Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), A semi-structured questionnaire comprising of 22 items and divided into
the Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm), the Master of Science in Pharmacy four sections was constructed for this investigation. The first segment
[MS(Pharm)], and the Master of Technology in Pharmacy [MTech featured four questions designed to elicit information about the
(Pharm)], as well as the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) and doctor of participants’ socio-demographic characteristics. Three sections contained
philosophy in pharmacy (PhD). The majority of students participate in a six-item multiple-choice questionnaire: general knowledge, knowledge
B. Pharm and M.Pharm programs, which are primarily focused on the about quality, safety, and efficacy, and perception. Strongly agree, agree,
pharmaceutical industry.5 Students are increasingly interested in the neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree were the options. All of these

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Journal of Young Pharmacists, Vol 13 Issue 4, Oct-Dec, 2021 417


Chaudhary, et al.: Comparative Study of Generic Drugs among Pharmacy Cadres

questions were developed utilizing a variety of research articles, books, statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software, version 25
fact sheets, and information booklets. The questionnaire was designed to (IBM Cooperation).15 The difference in response to questions related to
ascertain students’ fundamental knowledge and perceptions of generic knowledge and perception were compared between different pharmacy
medicines and their importance, particularly in the context of India. cadres statistically, using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. The
test was performed considering a P-value of less than .05 significant.
Validity and reliability test
The initial questionnaire was validated by subject experts comprised of RESULTS
professors and other faculty members from several pharmacy institutions
in Karnataka for correctness, clarity, appropriateness, and jargon use. Socio-demographic Details
This validation was conducted using both the face and content validity Table 1 summarizes the socio-demographic characteristics of the
approach. The split-half method (for assessing internal reliability) and volunteers. The questionnaire was completed by 502 pharmacy students.
the test-retest method (for assessing external reliability) were used to Out of 502 pupils, 222 (44%) were male, and 280 (56%) were female.
evaluate the updated questionnaire’s reliability.8,9 A pilot study with 268 students (53.3 % ) who volunteered for the survey are between the
20 individuals was done to conduct these reliability tests. In the Split-half ages of 18 - 21, 216 students (43.02 % ) are between the ages of 22 - 25,
reliability test, it was discovered that Spearman’s brown coefficient of and only 18 students (3.5% ) are between the ages of 26 and above. Of
0.7 correlates the responses to two halves of questions. The test-retest the 502 students, 247 (49%) were enrolled in Pharm.D, 211 (42%) in
reliability was determined by administering the questionnaire twice, one B.Pharm, and 44 (9%) in M.Pharm.
week apart on the first and second attempts. In the test-retest reliability
analysis, an intraclass correlation of 0.8 was discovered. Correlation Overall knowledge of generic medicine
coefficients greater than or equal to 0.7 indicate reliability.10 The overall knowledge of these cadres about generic medicine is
represented in Table 2. It is discovered that these cadres have a statis-
Sample size tically significant difference in their grasp of bioequivalence of generic
The survey sample size was determined using the Raosoft sample size with branded medicines, with a P-value smaller than .001***. At the
calculator.11 Minimum student involvement of 377 was required to same time, the majority of students across all of these cadres agree that
achieve a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error for the they desire greater information about how bioequivalence testing for
population distribution of 20000 students at a 50% response rate. As a generic drugs is conducted, and so no statistically significant difference
result, we obtained the participation of 502 students for this study. was discovered. There is disagreement among students in these cadres
about whether the composition, dose and indication of generic medicines
Selection of students are equivalent to those of branded drugs and whether manufacturing
To assure the study’s quality, participants were chosen based on their of the generic medicine begins after the innovator drug’s patent rights
exposure to generic medicine in their syllabus. This study’s criteria were expire with a P-value of less than .05* and .01**, respectively. Additionally,
established by an exhaustive analysis of the curriculums of several phar- these cadres continue to lack knowledge that generic medicines are
macy courses and consultations with professors and faculty members at more affordable than branded drugs and that increased use of generic
various pharmacy colleges. Finally, this study permitted the participation medicines in India helps to lower healthcare spending by less than .01**
of third- and fourth-year B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) students, and .001***, respectively.
third-, fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-year Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy)
students, and M.Pharm (Master of Pharmacy) students. Safety and efficacy of generic medicine
The knowledge of various pharmacy cadres regarding the safety and
Distribution of questionnaire efficacy of generic medications is summarized in Table 3. This section
Following the validation and reliability tests, the final revised question- discovered a difference in reaction between these cadres about the
naire was created using Google Forms and sent to undergraduate and effectiveness and adverse effects of generic medications when compared
graduate scholars via social media platforms, including Facebook, to branded medications with a P-value smaller than .001***. Whereas
Messenger, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Volunteers were asked to participate there seems to have the same level of knowledge and confusion among
in the study by filling out a questionnaire in a Google form with no
time constraints. The participant’s name was recorded, and the Google
feature was limited to one submission to avoid duplicate fillings of the Table 1: Socio-Demographic details.
Google form. Socio-Demographic details Participants Distribution (n=502)
Age (years)
Ethical consideration 18-21 268 (53.3%)
This study has been approved by the Mallige College of Pharmacy 22-25 216 (43.02%)
Research Review Board (MCP/RRB/002/20-21).The purpose of this
26-29 12 (2.3%)
study was described to the participants. They were requested to submit
their consent of voluntary willingness before participating in this ≥ 30 06 (1.19%)
survey. The procedures utilized for this survey were as per the declaration Gender
of Helsinki 1964 and its later amendment.12 Furthermore, the Checklist Male 222 (44%)
for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) guidelines was Female 280 (56%)
strictly followed for performing and reporting this internet survey.13 Degree Enrolled
Pharm.D 247 (49%)
Statistical Analysis
B.Pharm 211 (42%)
The data collected were uploaded to Microsoft Excel (Microsoft
Corporation) and was analyzed for the correctness of the data.14 The M.Pharm 44 (9%)

418 Journal of Young Pharmacists, Vol 13 Issue 4, Oct-Dec, 2021


Chaudhary, et al.: Comparative Study of Generic Drugs among Pharmacy Cadres

Table 2: summarizes the overall knowledge of pharmacy students regarding generic medicines according to their degree program.
S. No Questionnaire Degree Enrolled Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly P-value
Agree (%) (%) (%) Disagree
(%) (%)
77 97 13 2 5
B.Pharm (N=194)
(40%) (50%) (7%) (1%) (2%)
Generic medicines are inexpensive 27 11 1 1 0
1 M.Pharm (N=40) 0.003
compared to branded medicines. (68%) (27%) (2.5%) (2.5%) (0%)
75 90 40 4 8
Pharm-D (N= 220)
(34%) (41%) (18%) (1.8%) (3.6%)
19 117 41 11 5
B.Pharm (N=193)
(9.8%) (60.6%) (21.2%) (5.6%) (2.5%)
A generic medicine is bioequivalent to a 16 20 1 2 1
2 M.Pharm (N=40) .000
branded medicine. (40%) (50%) (2.5%) (5%) (2.5%)
59 104 37 17 1
Pharm-D (N= 218)
(27%) (47.7%) (17%) (7.8%) (0.4%)
35 94 39 22 2
B.Pharm (N=192)
(18.2%) (49%) (20.3%) (11.4%) (1%)
Composition, dose, and indications
15 16 5 1 1
3 of generic medicines are equivalent to M.Pharm (N=38) 0.013
branded medicines. (39.4%) (42.1%) (13.1%) (2.6%) (2.6%)
62 95 40 23 1
Pharm-D (N= 221)
(28%) (43%) (18.1%) (10.4%) (0.4%)
32 69 38 42 8
B.Pharm (N=189)
(16.9%) (36.5%) (20.1%) (22.2%) (4.2%)
A generic medicine is only manufactured
18 11 5 5 0
4 after the end of the patent of the M.Pharm (N=39) 0.002
innovator drug (46.1%) (28.2%) (12.8%) (12.8%) (0%)
51 57 50 47 13
Pharm-D (N= 218)
(23.3%) (26.1%) (22.9%) (21.5%) (5.9%)
60 102 25 3 1
B.Pharm(N=191)
(31.4%) (53.4%) (13%) (1.5%) (0.5%)
Additional information is required on 8 24 6 1 0
5 how bioequivalence tests are carried out M.Pharm (N=39) 0.457
(20.5%) (61.5%) (15.3%) (2.5%) (0%)
for generic medicines
70 116 23 10 1
Pharm-D (N= 220)
(31.8%) (52.7%) (10.4%) (4.5%) (0.4%)
45 85 30 22 9
B.Pharm (N=191)
(23.5%) (44.5%) (15.7%) (11.5%) (4.7%)
More usage of generic medicines in India 22 10 5 2 0
6 supports in reducing the country’s health M.Pharm (N=39) .000
(56.4%) (25.6%) (12.8%) (5.1%) (0%)
care spending
96 74 23 24 3
Pharm-D (N= 220)
(43.6%) (33.6%) (10.4%) (10.9%) (1.3%)

Kruskal-Wallis test P-value < .05*, P-value < .01** and P-value < .001*** is significant.

students of these cadres regarding the superiority of branded medicine whereas more than 90% of M.Pharm and Pharm.D agrees on the same
over generic medicine in sophisticated safety standards.(P-value=0.506). statement (P-value < 0.05). The perception among these cadres about the
There is nevertheless a statistically significant difference in response influence of pharmaceutical companies by advertisement on the usage
about the generic medicine’s quality, safety, and pharmacokinetics be- of branded medicine differs with P-value less than 0.001. In addition,
tween these cadres with a p-value smaller than .001***.
there remains a difference in ease of remembrance of drug’s therapeutic
Perception of students about generic medicine class using generic names with a P-value less than 0.001. About 81% of
The perception of these cadres regarding generic medicine is summarized B.Pharm students and 82% of M.Pharm students agree they need more
in Table 4. About 88.7% of B.Pharm students agree that patient and information on the safety and efficacy of generic medicine. In contrast,
doctors should be provided sufficient knowledge regarding generic drugs about 85% of Pharm.D agree on the topic.

Journal of Young Pharmacists, Vol 13 Issue 4, Oct-Dec, 2021 419


Chaudhary, et al.: Comparative Study of Generic Drugs among Pharmacy Cadres

Table 3: Summarizes knowledge regarding the safety and efficacy of generic medicines according to their degree program.
S. No Questionnaire Degree Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly P-value
Enrolled Agree (%) (%) (%) Disagree
(%) (%)
B.Pharm 14 50 40 62 14
(N=180) (7.7%) (27.7%) (22.2%) (34.4%) (7.7%)

Generic medicines are less effective compared to branded M.Pharm 2 6 9 18 3


1 .000
medicines (N=38) (5.2%) (15.7%) (23.6%) (47.6%) (7%)

Pharm-D 11 38 29 96 41
(N= 215) (5.1%) (17.6%) (13.4%) (44.6%) (19%)
B.Pharm 7 35 53 68 17
(N=180) (3.8%) (10.4%) (29.4%) (37.7%) (9.4%)

Generic medicines have higher adverse effects compared M.Pharm 2 5 5 18 8


2 .000
to branded medicines (N=38) (5.2%) (13.1%) (13.1%) (47.3%) (21%)

Pharm-D 6 20 50 102 37
(N= 215) (2.7%) (9.3%) (23.2%) (47.4%) (17.2%)
B.Pharm 18 69 48 35 9
(N=179) (10%) (38.5%) (26.8%) (19.5%) (5%)

Branded medicines are needed to have sophisticated M.Pharm 7 9 9 11 2


3 .506
safety standards than generic medicines (N=38) (18.4%) (23.6%) (23.6%) (28.9%) (7.5%)

Pharm-D 23 69 54 49 16
(N= 211) (10.9%) (32.7%) (25.5%) (23.2%) (7.5%)
B.Pharm 10 33 45 67 26
(N=181) (5.8%) (18.2%) (24.6%) (37%) (14%)

M.Pharm 0 5 5 22 6
4 Generic medicines are not as safe as branded drugs. .000
(N=38) (0%) (13.1%) (13.1%) (57.8%) (15.7%)

Pharm-D 4 19 35 117 41
(N= 216) (1.8%) (8.79%) (16.2%) (54.1%) (18.9)
B.Pharm 10 45 65 48 13
(N=181) (5.5%) (24.8%) (35.9%) (26.5%) (7.1%)

M.Pharm 0 2 10 21 5
5 Generic medicine requires more time to act in the body. .000
(N=38) (0%) (5.2%) (26.3%) (55.2%) (14.2%)

Pharm-D 8 32 16 94 38
(N= 216) (3.7%) (14.8%) (7.4%) (43.5%) (17.5%)
B.Pharm 28 67 42 31 12
(N=180) (15.8%) (37.2%) (23.3%) (17.2%) (6.7%)

A generic medicine is cheaper because they are M.Pharm 6 10 5 11 6


6 .000
substandard to branded drugs. (N=38) (15.7%) (26.3%) (13.5%) (28.9%) (15.7%)

Pharm-D 25 56 28 67 38
(N= 214) (11.6%) (26.1%) (13%) (31.3%) (17.7%)

Kruskal-Wallis test P-value< 0.05*, P-value < .01** and P-value < .001*** is significant.

DISCUSSION dication, and dose of generic drugs are equal to branded medication.
In comparison to their peers, M.Pharm students demonstrated explicit
The main objective of this study is to compare the knowledge and percep-
awareness of the bioequivalence feature of generic medications. This
tion about generic medicine among the students of B.Pharm, Mpharm,
disparity in skill could be attributable to advanced biopharmaceutics
and Pharm.D. The current research could manifest unawareness regard-
ing generic medication among B.Pharm and Pharm.D students com- being a subject in the M.Pharm curriculum, followed by Pharm.D, and
pared to M.Pharm students, as more percentage of M.Pharm students finally B.Pharm.16
compared to B.Pharm and Pharm.D correctly agreed that generic medi- Our study could also assess the knowledge among M.Pharm, Pharm.D,
cines are low-priced than branded ones and that the composition, in- and B.Pharm regarding the safety and efficacy of generic medicines.

420 Journal of Young Pharmacists, Vol 13 Issue 4, Oct-Dec, 2021


Chaudhary, et al.: Comparative Study of Generic Drugs among Pharmacy Cadres

Table 4: Perception of pharmacy cadres about generic medicine.


S. No Questionnaire Degree Enrolled Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly P-value
Agree (%) (%) (%) Disagree
(%) (%)

Bpharm (N=187) 75 91 14 3 4
(40.1%) (48.6%) (7.4%) (1.6%) (2.1%)
I think patients and doctors should be provided Mpharm (N=39) 21 15 2 0 1
1 sufficient knowledge regarding generic medicines to .022
(53.8%) (38.4%) (5.1%) (0%) (2.56%)
assure they truly know them.
Pharm-D (N= 218) 117 82 14 2 3
(53.6%) (37.6%) (6.4%) (0.9%) (1.3%)
Bpharm (N=189) 45 102 28 9 5
(23.8%) (53.9%) (14.8%) (4.7%) (2.6%)
I believe that advertisements by Pharmaceutical Mpharm (N=39) 18 17 3 0 1
2 .000
companies persuade the usage of branded medicines. (46.1%) (43.59) (7.6%) (0%) (2.5%)
Pharm-D (N= 219) 99 97 18 5 0
(45.2%) (44.2%) (8.1%) (2.2%) (0%)
Bpharm (N=189) 74 81 20 8 6
(39.1%) (42.8%) (10.5%) (4.2%) (3.1%)
Doctors and pharmacists should work together in Mpharm (N=39) 18 18 2 1 0
3 prescribing and dispensing drugs based on their .000
(46.1%) (46.1%) (5.1%) (2.8%) (0%)
generic names and not brand names
Pharm-D (N= 219) 129 69 13 5 3
(58.9%) (31.5%) (5.9%) (2.2%) (1.3%)
Bpharm (N=186) 46 105 28 6 1
(24.7%) (56.4%) (15%) (3.2%) (0.5%)
More information is required on the issues regarding Mpharm (N=39) 10 22 7 0 0
4 .022
the safety and efficacy of generic medicines (25.6%) (56.4%) (17.9%) (0%) (0%)
Pharm-D (N= 220) 84 103 25 5 3
(38.1%) (46.8%) (11.3%) (2.2) (1.3%)
Bpharm (N=188) 36 83 56 10 3
(19.1%) (44.1%) (29.7%) (5.3%) (1.5%)
It is easier to remember a medicine’s therapeutic class Mpharm (N=39) 13 21 3 2 0
5 .000
using generic names rather than brand names (33.3%) (53.8%) (7.6%) (5.1%) (0%)
Pharm-D (N= 217) 117 67 28 2 3
(53.9%) (30.2%) (12.9%) (0.9%) (1.3%)
Bpharm (N=189) 27 96 51 11 4
(14.2%) (50.7%) (26.9%) (5.8%) (2.1%)
My pharmacy school education covers the topic of Mpharm (N=39) 10 17 10 1 1
6 .000
cost-effective use of medicines very well. (25.6%) (43.5%) (25.6%) (2.5%) (2.5%)
Pharm-D (N= 217) 75 90 40 4 8
(34.5%) (41.4%) (18.4%) (1.8%) (3.6%)

Kruskal-Wallis test P-value< 0.05*, P-value < .01** and P-value < .001*** is significant.

A difference in learning among all the three Pharmacy cadres regarding generic medicines, which reveals a slight confusion regarding this
this aspect could be found as Pharm.D students have more clinical concept, implying a lack of accurate information among the students.
exposure than Mpharm and B.Pharm students. Clinical exposure of Our study points out that, compared to B.Pharm students, more Pharm.D
Pharm.D students is attributable to their hospital postings as part of their students think that patients and doctors need to be given adequate
practical training from the 2nd year of their course.17 knowledge regarding generic medicines. Similarly, more than half of
This research could identify better pharmacological knowledge about ge- Pharm.D students, compared to their counterparts, strongly believe that
neric medicines among M.Pharm students than Pharm.D and B.Pharm pharmacists should work together in prescribing and dispensing drugs
students. More M.Pharm students disagreed that generic medicines take based on generic medicines and not brand names. They also find it easier
longer to act in the body than branded ones. M.Pharm students would be to remember a medicine’s therapeutic class using generic names rather
more acquainted with this topic as their syllabus covers biopharmaceutics than brand names. Ward rounds and working closely with doctors and
in depth. Only 51% of M.Pharm, 46% of Pharm.D, and 38% of B.Pharm patients had imbibed Pharm.D students to come to such conclusions
disagree that brand name medicines require higher safety standards than pertinently.

Journal of Young Pharmacists, Vol 13 Issue 4, Oct-Dec, 2021 421


Chaudhary, et al.: Comparative Study of Generic Drugs among Pharmacy Cadres

More Pharm.D students compared to B.Pharm and M.Pharm strongly CONFLICT OF INTEREST
agree that their pharmacy school covers the topic of cost-effective use of
medicines. However, for B.Pharm students, their course is devoid of The authors declare no Conflict of interest.
sufficient clinical exposure and knowledge about pharmacoeconomics.
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This study had developed a self-administered online form, so there are
19. Ahmad A, Patel I, Parimilakrishnan S, Mohanta GP, Chung H, Chang J. The role
chances of incorrect filling, multiple fillings, and personal bias. This of pharmacoeconomics in current Indian healthcare system. J Res Pharm Pract.
study had focused on the different cadres of pharmacy students of South 2013;2(1):3-9. doi: 10.4103/2279-042X.114081, PMID 24991597.
India, especially Bangalore, so it can’t be generalized for all of India. 20. Shraim NY, Al Taha TA, Qawasmeh RF, Jarrar HN, Shtaya MAN, Shayeb LA,
Furthermore, the study design used in this study was a cross-sectional Sweileh WM. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of community pharmacists
on generic medicines in Palestine: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv
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21. Awaisu A, Kheir N, Ibrahim MI, El-Hajj M, Hazi H, Khudair N, Barazi R. Knowledge,
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists on generic medicines in
Qatar. Int J Clin Pharm. 2014;36(2):394-404. doi: 10.1007/s11096-013-9909-2,
We are thankful to Dr. Shailesh Yadav for helping to carry out this study. PMID 24532363.

Article History: Received: 13-07-2021; Revised: 20-08-2021; Accepted: 29-09-2021.


Cite this article: Chaudhary AP, Nelson AK, Sonar NS, Jamuna TR. Knowledge and Perception of Pharmacy Students about Generic Medicine in India:
Web-based Cross-sectional Study. J Young Pharm. 2021;13(4):417-22.

422 Journal of Young Pharmacists, Vol 13 Issue 4, Oct-Dec, 2021

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