Disposal practice and factors associated with unused medicines in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The improper disposal of unused medicines is a worldwide concern because of its impact on the environment, economy, and health. This study aims to describe the disposal practice of unused medicine and identify factors associated with unused medicines in Malaysia.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, face to face interview-based survey using a structured questionnaire. We used a convenience sampling method to recruit participants from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor in Malaysia.

Results

We interviewed 1184 participants, and the response rate was 96%. Out of the total respondents, 995 (84%) reported having unused medicines. About a quarter of respondents kept unused medicines in the cabinet, and another quarter disposed of them into the trash or toilet. Only half of

SUBMITTER: Wang LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8447783 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature