PATIENT’S OPINION AND PRACTICE TOWARD UNUSED MEDICATION DISPOSAL: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the opinion and practice toward disposal of unused medication among patients in Shri Ram Mur ti Smarak Institute of Medical Institute of Medical Sciences. An in - depth interview conducted during the period from October 201 2 until December 201 2 . A total of 5 6 patients participated in this study. Once the participants identified, an appointment was f ixed to conduct the interview with them . Due to the small sample size the data were analyzed manually. The most common diseases reported among the participants were hypertension 39.3 % and diabetes mellitus type II 21.4 % . There were three main frequent di sposal methods practiced by the respondents, the majority of them threw unused medication into the trash 57.1 % , followed by burning the unused medication 14.2 %. The majority of the participants 60.7 % mentioned that the best way to educate the public abo ut disposal unused medication is through advertisements, treating consultants, patient awareness workshops, pharmacists on medical stores and public campaign. The most method to dispose unused medication among patients is a throw of unused medication into the trash.