An Online Survey to Estimate the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among People in Odisha on Proper Drug Disposal Methods along with their Opinion on the Use of E-pharmacy and Drones as Future Dispensing Models for Medicines

Abstract

Background: Utilizing and disposing of expired drugs improperly can adversely affect patients,healthcare systems, economy, and environment. Thus, creating awareness about it is highly necessary. Objectives: Carry out an online survey to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice among people of Odisha on proper drug utilization and its disposal along with their opinion on future dispensing models for medicines. Method: A questionnaire was designed after determining the criteria to participate in this cross sectional study. The sample size was estimated to get 95% CI. The Chi-square test for independence was chosen to analyze: the relationship between education and drug disposal behavior; and the relationship between the number of unused and expired medications and the age of the participants. Data was collected by sharing the questionnaire link through G-Mail, LinkedIn, Whatsapp, and Instagram. Results: 181 people (113 males and 68 females) completed the survey. 87.8% of participants agreed that improper drug disposal would damage human health and the environment. 65.8% agreed to share medication with others for similar symptoms. 66.2% disposed household unused and expired medications in the dustbin. 75.13% showed interest in having E-Pharmacy and drones as smart-medicine delivery technology systems. The study showed no relationship either between education and drug disposal behavior; or between the number of unused and expired medications and the age of the participants. Conclusion: Participants lacked knowledge to use and dispose (expired) medications. Large-sample studies are required to get a clear picture of people’s opinions on smart drug-dispensing models.