DRUG DISPOSAL: KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE AMONG PHARMACY STUDENTS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

There is little information on the knowledge of pharmacy students about the correct ways for drug disposal. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice of Pharmacy students about medicines disposal. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with a questionnaire application to 182 Pharmacy students in Brazil, between October and November of 2016. Data analysis of the categorical variables were performed using descriptive statistics. The Chi-square test (X2) was used to evaluate the possible differences in the frequency between the form of medication discard according to dichotomous variables. Sixty-four point eight per cent of the students reported discarding the drugs incorrectly, and 48.8% did it in the household garbage. About 32% of the interviewers believed that the dispensation of the medicines beyond the exact amount for treatment is the main reason for the leftover. The Chi-square test showed a higher correct disposal index from the 6th to the 10th period, compared to the 1st to the 5th and according to previous guidance. Of the interviews, 67.6% considered incorrect the own way of drug disposal, 63.7% suggested the exclusive collection as the correct destination, and 84.6% reported knowing the consequences of improper disposal. This study showed that the majority of pharmacy students discards the overdue and/or unused medicines in an environmentally inadequate manner, but the correct disposal is more significant with the advance of the course period.