ASSESSING THE INTENTION OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO ADOPT BIOSIMILARS USING THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Most physicians seem to prefer originator products for biologic-naive patients and hesitate to switch to biosimilars. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing healthcare professionals' intention to use biosimilars and predict the impact on health budgets and outcomes. A convenience sampling method was used to gather beliefs from healthcare professionals in South Florida, USA, and five regions of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A cross-sectional online survey collected data from 597 eligible healthcare professionals. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and binary logistic regression were employed to analyze the association between sociodemographic factors, psycho-social behavioral attributes, and healthcare intention. In the US physicians (n = 279), the majority were aged 61 and above, with high intentions (n = 142) or low intentions (n = 137). Among KSA physicians, only 12 had high intentions (n = 4) and low intentions (n = 8). Male physicians constituted a larger proportion in KSA (83.3%) compared to the US (71%). The highest frequency of high intentions was observed in US physicians, while KSA physicians in the professional specialties category had mostly low intentions. Regarding professional rank, US attending physicians (66.3%) displayed similar perceptions towards biosimilars, whereas KSA consultant physicians had low intentions (33.3%). US physicians primarily worked in the private sector (76.3%), while KSA physicians were mainly from the government sector (91.7%). Differences in perceptions and beliefs towards biosimilars were clear among physicians in both cohorts. In the US pharmacists (n = 231), more females had higher intentions compared to males (35.5% vs. 28.1%). Conversely, among KSA pharmacists (n = 75), more males had higher intentions than females (45.3% vs. 14.7%). Clinical pharmacists comprised the highest number of KSA participants, while US pharmacists were primarily community pharmacists. Significant associations were found between years of practice and intentions in both physician cohorts. US physicians showed positive correlations between beliefs and intentions towards biosimilars, with statistically significant differences except for normative beliefs. In the US pharmacist cohort, professional specialty demonstrated significance, while in the KSA cohort, age-range and years of practice were significant factors. This study revealed the varying attitudes of healthcare professionals towards biosimilars in the USA and Saudi Arabia. It emphasizes the need for international harmonization of guidelines and the adoption of biosimilars as alternatives to biological drugs.