KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES TOWARD GENERIC MEDICINES IN DELHI, INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Generic medicines are cost-effective alternatives to branded medicines with comparable quality, safety, and efficacy. Despite government initiatives promoting their use in India, their utilization remains inconsistent. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding generic medicines among an urban population in Delhi, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2025 among adults aged ≥18 years in Delhi using convenience sampling. Data were collected through both online and offline modes using a structured, prevalidated bilingual (English and Hindi) questionnaire developed from previously validated tools. Content validity was assessed through expert review, and pilot testing was conducted among 20 participants prior to data collection. The questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.8). Of 408 responses received, 397 complete responses were included in the final analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed using Microsoft Excel 2021. Results: Among the 397 participants, 49.4% were university students and 50.6% belonged to the general population. Overall, 83.0% were aware of generic medicines, while 76.5% recognized that they are less expensive than branded medicines. However, only 61.0% correctly identified their therapeutic equivalence. Although 66.0% preferred generic medicines, only 49.5% reported actual use. Awareness regarding the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was observed in 55.5% participants, whereas 74.0% had never visited a Janaushadhi Kendra (JAK). Only 27.5% reported having been prescribed generic medicines by physicians. Confidence regarding the use of generic medicines varied among participants. Conclusion: Although awareness regarding generic medicines was relatively high, their utilization remained suboptimal. Knowledge gaps, concerns regarding quality and effectiveness, limited physician prescribing practices, and low engagement with Jan Aushadhi services may contribute to reduced adoption. Strengthening public education, physician advocacy, and awareness of government initiatives may improve acceptance and utilization of generic medicines.