Authors :
Abdelhakim Hinda; Youness Sebbahi; Mohamed Hassaine; Yasmina Tadlaoui
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3km8buxn
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may2253
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Introduction:
Generic drugs have become increasingly prevalent in global healthcare systems, offering a cost-effective alternative to
brand-name medications. Despite their documented benefits, the acceptance and utilization of generics remain contentious,
particularly in hospital settings where prescriber confidence and patient adherence are crucial. In Morocco, the promotion
of generics is integral to national healthcare policies aimed at improving access to affordable medications. However, their
prescription and use remain relatively low compared to other countries, due to concerns regarding their effectiveness, safety,
and therapeutic interchangeability.
Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate the perception of healthcare professionals regarding generic drugs in Morocco, analyze
their impact on prescription practices in hospital settings, and identify factors influencing prescriber attitudes. The study
also seeks to enhance understanding of generics' role in improving healthcare accessibility and reducing costs.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between January 1 and January 30, 2025, among 94 licensed
physicians practicing in both public and private sectors across Morocco. The study employed an anonymous, validated
Google Forms questionnaire to assess the perception of generics and their influence on prescribing practices. Data were
analyzed using Microsoft Excel.
Results:
The study revealed a significant reluctance among healthcare professionals toward prescribing generics, with 55% of
physicians only recommending generics when bioequivalence is guaranteed. Despite 81% of physicians regularly
recommending generics, 70% perceive them as sometimes less effective than brand-name drugs. A majority 55% expressed
partial satisfaction with the available information on generics, highlighting the need for improved educational resources.
The study also found that price was the primary factor influencing patients acceptance of generics, particularly among
lower-income individuals.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the need for enhanced education and training on the bioequivalence, effectiveness, and safety
of generics to improve prescriber confidence. Furthermore, increasing patient awareness and addressing economic factors
are crucial for the wider adoption of generics. By fostering better understanding and communication about generics, both
healthcare professionals and patients can benefit from reduced healthcare costs while maintaining therapeutic standards.
Keywords :
Generic Drugs, Prescription Practices, Bioequivalence, Healthcare Professionals, Patient Adherence.
References :
- Journal of Generic Medicines. Bioequivalence and generic drugs: A systematic review. 2023;19(2):1-10.
- European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Pharmacokinetic variations in generic drug efficacy. 2022;58(1):32-39.
- International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Physician attitudes toward the effectiveness of generic drugs. 2023;64(4):215-220.
- Journal of Hospital Pharmacy. Factors influencing the recommendation of generic drugs by hospital physicians. 2022;48(7):450-457.
- Journal of Generic Medicines. Bioequivalence in Generic Drugs: Perceptions and Realities. 2023.
- European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Influence of Pharmacokinetics on Clinical Efficacy of Generic Drugs. 2022.
- European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Factors Influencing Clinical Effectiveness of Generic Drugs. 2022.
- Health Policy Journal. Strategies for the Promotion of Generic Drugs: A Global Perspective. 2022.
- International Journal of Health Economics. Patient Preferences for Generic Medicines: A Review of Economic Impacts. 2023.
- International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Adherence to Generic Medications: The Role of Patient Perceptions. 2023.
Introduction:
Generic drugs have become increasingly prevalent in global healthcare systems, offering a cost-effective alternative to
brand-name medications. Despite their documented benefits, the acceptance and utilization of generics remain contentious,
particularly in hospital settings where prescriber confidence and patient adherence are crucial. In Morocco, the promotion
of generics is integral to national healthcare policies aimed at improving access to affordable medications. However, their
prescription and use remain relatively low compared to other countries, due to concerns regarding their effectiveness, safety,
and therapeutic interchangeability.
Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate the perception of healthcare professionals regarding generic drugs in Morocco, analyze
their impact on prescription practices in hospital settings, and identify factors influencing prescriber attitudes. The study
also seeks to enhance understanding of generics' role in improving healthcare accessibility and reducing costs.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between January 1 and January 30, 2025, among 94 licensed
physicians practicing in both public and private sectors across Morocco. The study employed an anonymous, validated
Google Forms questionnaire to assess the perception of generics and their influence on prescribing practices. Data were
analyzed using Microsoft Excel.
Results:
The study revealed a significant reluctance among healthcare professionals toward prescribing generics, with 55% of
physicians only recommending generics when bioequivalence is guaranteed. Despite 81% of physicians regularly
recommending generics, 70% perceive them as sometimes less effective than brand-name drugs. A majority 55% expressed
partial satisfaction with the available information on generics, highlighting the need for improved educational resources.
The study also found that price was the primary factor influencing patients acceptance of generics, particularly among
lower-income individuals.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the need for enhanced education and training on the bioequivalence, effectiveness, and safety
of generics to improve prescriber confidence. Furthermore, increasing patient awareness and addressing economic factors
are crucial for the wider adoption of generics. By fostering better understanding and communication about generics, both
healthcare professionals and patients can benefit from reduced healthcare costs while maintaining therapeutic standards.
Keywords :
Generic Drugs, Prescription Practices, Bioequivalence, Healthcare Professionals, Patient Adherence.
