KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF GENERIC MEDICINES AMONG DENTAL GRADUATES AND POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS OF NORTH MAHARASHTRA REGION.

Abstract

Background:Rising healthcare costs are a global concern, especially in developing countries where nearly 80% of healthcare expenses are paid out-of-pocket. A major contributor to this expenditure is the cost of medications. Generic medicines, which are therapeutically equivalent to branded drugs and significantly more affordable, offer a practical means to reduce healthcare costs while maintaining treatment standards. Despite India being a leading producer of generic drugs, their prescription—particularly in dentistry—remains underutilized. Objective:To evaluate and compare the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of dental students regarding generic medicine prescription. Method:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in December 2019 among 100 participants (22 MDS students and 78 interns) at the School of Dental Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra. A self-administered, pre-validated questionnaire with 15 items was used to collect data on demographics and KAP related to generic medications. Responses were recorded in dichotomous format (Yes/No), and one open-ended question sought suggestions for promoting generic use. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and MedCalc software; the chi-square test was applied for statistical comparison. Result:Participants had a mean age of 23.14 years; 76% were female. Only 52.4% knew generics share the same composition and dosage as branded drugs, and 31% knew repeated clinical trials are not required for generics. About 31% believed branded medicines are more effective, and 54.8% felt generics are often manufactured in substandard facilities. Just 47.6% reported prescribing generics, and 69% had never read comparative studies between branded and generic drugs. The most influential factors in prescribing decisions were patients' economic status (85.7%) and drug efficacy/safety (83.3%). Most participants supported implementing awareness workshops, educational training, and stricter regulations to improve generic prescribing habits. Conclusion:Despite policy efforts, the prescription of generics among dental professionals is limited due to knowledge deficits and ongoing misconceptions. Targeted educational programs, mandatory training, and regulatory reinforcements are necessary to foster confidence in generic medications. Expanding this research across institutions will offer more generalized insights and support national strategies to enhance access to affordable healthcare through rational prescribing.