Patients’ beliefs toward generic medication in Yemen

Purpose This study aims to explore patients’ knowledge and beliefs toward generic medicines and identify the factors affecting their beliefs toward them in Yemen. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to July 1, 2016. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 590 adult patients in Sana’a. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences® (IBM SPSS) version 26 for Windows. Results Overall, 370 patients participated in this study. The study identified that a majority of the respondents did not know the similarities and differences between generic and branded medication and had negative beliefs toward generic medication. The study identified the factors contributing to the patients’ beliefs toward generic medication. Conclusion Yemeni patients had poor knowledge and negative beliefs toward generic medication. Educational programs provided to patients and healthcare professionals regarding generic medication can improve patients’ knowledge and correct their beliefs in this regard.