Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding generic drugs and branded drugs: a cross sectional study

Background: Medicines play a main role in the process of human development. The rational utilization of medicines can decrease morbidity and mortality as well as improve quality of life. In an era of steeply rising health care expenses, generic medicines provide a less expensive alternative to branded medicines. Use of generic drugs can contribute to substantial savings in medicines expenditure and the issue of access and affordability is thus addressed.Methods: A sample of 500 patients selected from out patient department was randomly selected. A self-instructed questionnaire was used for the study for the duration of 1 month. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics Version 20 New York, United States. Summary statistics were expressed using mean and standard deviation (SD) for numerical variables (median and interquartile ranges [IQRs] when skewed) and counts and percentages for categorical variables.Results: Participants reported with 17.23% knowledge score, 40.65% attitude score, and 7.96% attitude score.Conclusions: In the study it was found that there is significant correlation between knowledge and attitude whereas no correlation was found between knowledge and practice regarding usage of generic drugs.

Conflito interpessoal entre brasileiros e entre brasileiros e estrangeiros em empresas multinacionais de Manaus, AM / Interpersonal conflict between Brazilians and between Brazilians and foreign workers in multinational companies in Manaus, AM

A globalização tem permitido o contato entre trabalhadores de diferentes países e culturas. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar conflitos interpessoais envolvendo trabalhadores brasileiros e estrangeiros no setor eletroeletrônico da Zona Franca de Manaus. Quatorze trabalhadores brasileiros foram entrevistados acerca de conflitos com outros brasileiros e estrangeiros no local de trabalho quanto aos fatores desencadeadores do conflito, o episódio de conflito e suas consequências. Os fatores desencadeadores de conflito foram organizados em sete grupos: (a) Produtividade e eficiência; (b) Metodologia do trabalho e planejamento; (c) Hierarquia e comando ou liderança; (d) Problemas da empresa ou institucionais; (e) Comunicação e relacionamento interpessoal; (f) Questões éticas ou morais; (g) Diferenças culturais e educação diferenciada. Os conflitos se manifestaram mais como características de um relacionamento no tempo do que como interações pontuais e apresentaram consequências positivas e negativas de acordo com os participantes. Diferenças culturais foram reconhecidas no relacionamento com estrangeiros e também com outros brasileiros. Comparados aos conflitos interpessoais entre brasileiros, os conflitos com estrangeiros mostraram maior diversidade e intensidade, mas um desfecho mais positivo. Pode-se concluir que diferenças culturais afetam conflitos interpessoais, estando presentes no relacionamento entre brasileiros e estrangeiros e entre brasileiros de diferentes origens.

Globalization has allowed the contact among workers from different countries and cultures. The objective of this study was to investigate interpersonal conflicts involving Brazilian and foreign workers in the sector of electrical and electronic appliances, in the Free Zone of Manaus. Fourteen Brazilian workers were interviewed about conflicts with other Brazilians and foreigners in the workplace, including triggering factors of conflict, the episode of conflict and its consequences. The triggering factors of conflict were organized into seven groups: (a) Productivity and efficiency (b) Work methodology and planning, (c) Hierarchy, command and leadership, (d) Institutional or company problems, (e) Communication and interpersonal relationships, (f) Ethical and moral issues, (g) Cultural and educational differences. The conflict was typically part of an ongoing relationship and not only a specific interaction and showed positive and negative consequences according to the participants. Cultural differences were recognized in the relationship with foreigners and with other Brazilians. Conflicts with foreigners showed greater diversity and intensity, but more positive outcomes when compared with interpersonal conflicts among Brazilians. It may be concluded that cultural differences affect interpersonal conflicts but these differences are present not only in the relationship between Brazilians and foreigners but also among Brazilians of different origins.