Knowledge and Awareness of Disposal of Unused and Expired Medicines among Healthcare Professionals in Tertiary Care Hospital: A Brief Report

Abstract

Background: The incidence and prevalence of diseases are increasing, which has resulted in a huge increase in the use of medications. However, when they were no longer required/remained unused due to various reasons, they had to be disposed of. Since the drugs are chemicals, their expiration date indicates the amount of time that the product is anticipated to remain stable. Consumption of expired drug can result in efficacy loss, safety concerns, potency loss.
Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study evaluated knowledge, attitude and practice of drug disposal among healthcare professionals especially junior residents in tertiary health care centre. The data were collected through a google form and expressed in percentage.
Results: Out of 200, a total of 133 participants have completed the survey, which includes 42% males and 58% females. A total of (97.7%) participants were aware that improper disposal of unused and expired medicines affects the environment and health. However, (97%) of the respondents answered that the drug take back programmes should be included in the communities.
Conclusion: Majority of the study participants reported that they have unused medications at home, and throwing them in the household garbage is the most common method of getting rid of them. It is important to educate people on the correct way to dispose of unused and expired medications, and a drug take-back program in communities could be the solution to this issue.