Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Community Pharmacists On Generic Medicines

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE PROTOCOL

Generic medicines offer a cost-effective alternative to branded drugs without compromising efficacy or safety. Despite policy efforts like India’s Jan Aushadhi Scheme, the adoption of generics remains limited. Community pharmacists, being the final link in the healthcare delivery chain, significantly influence patient decisions and medication use.

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of community pharmacists regarding generic medicines in Mangaluru taluk and to identify factors influencing their selection and dispensing behaviors.

JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

Despite India’s role as a leading producer of generic medicines, their acceptance and utilization at the community level remain suboptimal. Community pharmacists, as accessible healthcare providers, play a pivotal role in promoting the use of generics. However, widespread misconceptions, lack of awareness, and inconsistent dispensing practices hinder effective generic substitution. Understanding the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists is essential to bridge these gaps, inform targeted educational interventions, and enhance the success of national health initiatives aimed at increasing access to affordable medicines.

METHODOLOGY

An observational cross-sectional study will be conducted across community pharmacies in Mangaluru taluk. A validated questionnaire assessing KAP will be administered to registered pharmacists who meet the inclusion criteria. Demographic and professional details will also be collected. Data analysis will be performed using SPSS software, and appropriate statistical tools will be used to interpret findings.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Data will be analyzed using SPSS software. Quantitative data will be presented as mean ± standard deviation, while qualitative data will be summarized using frequency and percentage. Reliability of the questionnaire will be tested using Cronbach’s alpha, with values above 0.70 considered acceptable. Correlations and associations between knowledge, attitude, and practice will be evaluated using appropriate statistical tests, and a p-value < 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The study aims to uncover gaps in pharmacists’ awareness and practices concerning generic medicines. The results are expected to inform policymakers, educators, and healthcare leaders about potential interventions like educational programs and policy reinforcements that could improve generic medicine promotion, pharmacist confidence, and ultimately, healthcare affordability.