A profile of the knowledge and use of generic drugs by a population from the metropolitan region of São Paulo

Objectives: To evaluate the acceptance of generic drugs in the population of Diadema, and identify factors that interfere in their choice, aiming at an improvement in assistance for these patients. Materials and methods: 203 participants were interviewed through a questionnaire containing 23 questions. The interviews were performed in Diadema city/São Paulo - Brazil. Data was expressed inpercentages; however, Chi-square test was also used for some associations and a 95% confidence interval was considered. Results: Most interviewees declared having satisfactory knowledge about generic drugs and reported previous use of it. Eighty-one point three percent of interviewed people reported that generic drugs had present the expected therapeutic effect, and 85.7% informed they believed in the safety of these drugs. The pharmacy/drugstore was the principal mean of communication to transmit information about generic medications, and a relation was observed between socioeconomic conditions and knowledge/use of these drugs. Conclusion: The studied population showed good acceptance and satisfactory knowledge about generic drugs and most of them believe in its safety. The price, the level of education, and the value of income of the population, and the low frequency of prescription, demonstrated to influence the consumption of generic drugs. Implementation of programs encouraging the prescription of these drugs and campaigns to enlighten information about generic drugs for the population could be beneficial for a better knowledge and use of them, ensuring access to health by all populations.