Abstract
Background: Unused and expired medicines pose a significant risk to the environment if they are not stored or disposed of properly. Proper knowledge and understanding of the dangers posed by these medicines to the environment and their disposal techniques is necessary. Aim:To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of consumers as well as students regarding the disposal of unused medications. Material and Methods: Evaluation of awareness and attitude regarding the disposal of medicines and their adverse effects was done using a questionnaire among 346 participants (MBBS and BDS students and the consumers). Results were expressed in frequency and percentages. Comparative analysis between medical students and consumers for the above parameters was done using Pearson's Chi-Square test. Results: Awareness and attitude possessed by the participants were subpar than expected. Even if the attitudes of the consumers and medical students were comparable, the latter were significantly less aware of the effects (81% v/s 69%; p=0.009) of improper disposal on the environment and humans. Conclusion: Both consumers and medical students had a basic understanding of medication pollution but need a comprehensive understanding of the causes and effects of this issue. The consumers comparatively had higher awareness about disposal and adverse effects of unused/expired medications than medical students.
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