title: Perceptions of generic drug discount programs among low-income women: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Increasing the awareness and use of generic drug discount programs (GDDP) may improve access to essential prescription drugs. However, little is known about public perceptions of GDDPs. The purpose of this study is to understand the perceptions and utilization patterns of low-income women regarding GDDP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a purposive sampling strategy, we conducted seven focus groups with a total of 50 participants using a semistructured guide to assess awareness and utilization of GDDP. Transcripts of the focus groups were systematically analyzed across groups with a general inductive approach for qualitative data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five major categorical themes emerged from the focus group content analysis: 1) Perceived differences between generic and brand-name prescription drugs, 2) barriers to utilizing GDDP, 3) lack of adequate communication between pharmacy, physician and patient about GDDP, 4) perceived health impact of utilizing GDDPs, and 5) perceived health care savings. Most participants indicated that they perceive no difference between generic and brand-name prescription drugs. Lack of awareness was indicated as a barrier to utilization. There was general agreement among participants that GDDP can help to maintain health while saving money.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Study participants demonstrated generally favorable perceptions regarding GDDPs. Our findings underscore the need for policies that encourage expansion of the GDDP formulary and increasing awareness and utilization of GDDP.
authors.affiliation: Park DuValle Community Health Center, Louisville, Kentucky 40211, USA. aomoja@aol.com
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Omojasola
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gor
authors.forename: Lovell
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D017046:Cost Savings; D016568:Drugs, Generic / Q000191:economics*; D005252:Fees, Pharmaceutical; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007356:Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services / Q000191:economics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011203:Poverty; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000191:economics*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013781:Texas; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D016568:Drugs, Generic; D055553:Prescription Drugs