Unused and expired drug disposal practice and awareness among undergraduate students from pharmacy and other disciplines: Bangladesh perspective

Abstract

Background: Most medicine users are not aware of the safe disposal of unused or expired medicines. The aim of this study was to know the current knowledge of the disposal practices of unused and expired medicines among the undergraduate pharmacy and other disciplines studying in universities located in different areas of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Returned questionnaires were double-checked for accuracy. Results: A total of 250 valid questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 100%. Respondents were mainly divided into two categories: pharmacy students (n=150; 60%) and general students (n=100; 40%). Two third of the general students (66%; n=98) and pharmacy students (65.3%; n=66) showed an almost similar response to keeping medicines at home. Overall, the highest common leftover medicines were analgesics (n=181; 27.6%) followed by gastric agents 174 (26.6%). Alarmingly, 85 (34%) respondents usually threw their leftover medicines in the dustbin, however, only very few portions of health science students (8%) have donated their unused medicines to welfare and friends. About 58% of respondents from other disciplines agreed that the necessity of pharmacists counselling people about proper medication disposal is highly required. Conclusion: Gaps exist in everyday drug disposal practices, therefore cost-effective pharmaceutical waste management programmes supported by government regulatory authorities and media campaigns are needed. Healthcare practitioners and community pharmacists should offer training to educate patients on standard medicine disposal practices. Findings from this study are hoped to assist in creating awareness about appropriate drug disposal practices in households and trigger interest and attention among policymakers about formulating relevant regulations.