Physician’s perception, use and prescription of generic medicines in health region of Abidjan 2 (Cote d’ivoire)

Introduction: In a context of constrained health-care resources, the use of generics medicines is an opportunity for savings. The study, with multifaceted purpose, aimed to investigate among generalist physician, the perception, use and prescription of generics and also identify the factors influencing their decision of prescribing generic medicines. Materiel and Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the health region of Abidjan 2, with 170 generalist physician selected at random and working in private or public sector. A face to face questionnaire was drawn up with closed and opened questions. All the collected data were entered into EPI INFO 7. Results: Two-thirds of the respondents expressed that they believed in generics medicines effectiveness, bioequivalence, quality and safety. The main information source about generic medicine was pharmaceutical sales representatives. In their practice, the generalist physician working in public sector prescribed more generic medicines (p=0.041). The cost of medicines was the most important factor taken into consideration about generic prescription. Conclusion: Even if the study demonstrated good perceptions of generics medicines, health authorities should promote towards policies the rational use of generic medicine notably in the private sector.