OBJECTIVES:

Generic substitution is a popular measure for cost containment in pharmaceutical markets. During the last period, it was among the main priorities of the pharmaceutical policy agenda in Greece, and a key element of the economic adjustment programme in health sector. In this context, this study aims to examine the determinants of patients’ attitudes towards generic substitution in Greece.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a representative national sample of 2012 adult individuals. The dependent variable is a binary variable regarding the extent to which respondents could accept generic substitution. The independent variables are: urbanity, social status, gender, age, marital status, education, source of information about pharmaceutical care, chronic conditions and knowledge about generics. The empirical analysis was conducted using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS:

Our findings suggest that 39.2% of the respondents were willing to accept generic substitution in the pharmacy, as they considered generic medication as an equal therapeutic alternative to branded pharmaceuticals. Male, high educated and those living in urban areas are more likely to have a positive attitude towards generic substitution. Moreover, respondents who received information from their pharmacists are more likely to accept generic substitution, relative to those being informed by doctors. Chronic patients are less likely to accept generic substitution. In particular, the odds ratios are 0.79 and 0.70 for those having one and two or more conditions respectively. Social status, age, and marital status were not statistically significant determinants of the attitudes towards generic substitution.

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant share of the respondents is reluctant to accept generic substitution. In this context, some specific population groups may need further information about generic drugs and substitution, and the therapeutic equivalence between generics and branded drugs. The findings of this study are useful towards designing targeted interventions for specific population groups in Greece.