No abstract

perceptions towards generics were investigated, concluding to the chosen independent variables. Results: A positive attitude (odds ratio > 1) on the safety of generics versus originators was identified for older individuals, those with higher income and those with less bill payment difficulties, people who express trust to the medical community, persons with a positive view towards the pharmaceutical industry, those with a positive view for the drugs in general and persons who are willing to be dispensed and prescribed a generic through its active substance. Similarly, a positive attitude (odds ratio > 1) on the efficacy of generics versus originators exists for higher income individuals, those with less bill payment difficulties, persons that have a positive view for the pharmaceutical industry, those with a positive view for drugs in general, and those who concede their doctor and pharmacist to prescribe and dispense a generic. All variables are statistically significant at the .05 level. ConClusions: Consumer preferences as derived from the perception of the population towards generic drugs should be highly considered when creating policies towards improving generic penetration in the market.