Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the disposal of expired and unused medications among the Lebanese population

Abstract

Background Medication waste is a public health problem affecting developed and developing countries. In Lebanon, a developing country in the Middle East, efforts are being deployed in hospitals but not in the community. Objective This study aimed to validate a questionnaire to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards the disposal of unused and expired medicines among the Lebanese population and then identify the factors associated with these variables comparatively between the general population and healthcare professionals. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general Lebanese population in May–June 2022 using a standardized questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the KAP scales were assessed, then a thorough statistical analysis was done to explore the factors associated with these scales. Results The KAP scales generated by this study were valid and reliable. Using these scales, 24.5%, 22.6%, and 21% of participants demonstrated proper knowledge, attitude, and practice, respectively. Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with female gender (Beta = 0.97), a high monthly income (Beta = 1.68), a secondary (Beta = 6.11) or university (Beta = 6.80) education level, and postgraduate education (Beta = 7.13). However, older age (Beta = − 0.06) and a low monthly income (Beta = − 3.06) were significantly associated with lower knowledge scores. A higher knowledge score (Beta = 0.06) was significantly associated with a more positive attitude regarding unused or expired medication disposal. Being a healthcare professional (Beta = 0.72) was significantly associated with a higher practice score, while being a female (Beta = − 0.32) and living in a rural area (Beta = − 0.37) were significantly associated with lower practice scores. Conclusion This study validated KAP scales regarding medication waste in Lebanon and showed low KAP scores in the majority of respondents. Factors associated with higher KAP scores in various aspects of medication disposal, including gender, age, education level, and profession (healthcare professionals), suggest the need to consider those when implementing targeted corrective measures. Although further studies are required to confirm our findings, this study could be the ground for a medication waste management national strategy in Lebanon.

Assessment of general population knowledge, attitude, and practice on safe unused and expired drugs disposal: a cross-sectional study

“…The present results are consistent with the earlier findings published by A. Althagafi et al in Saudi Arabi, which recruited 1100 participants, 36 however they differ with the findings of research done in Lebanon, which emphasized the limited understanding of the general community about medicine disposal, and where the knowledge score were 24.5%. 6 …”

“… 5 Ensuring the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceutical items may be achieved by following the prescribed storage conditions specified on the label and using them prior to their designated expiry date. 6 , 7 The disposal of pharmaceuticals is often advised by suppliers and certain healthcare organizations, taking into consideration their expiry date. 8 , 9 This is primarily because outdated medicines could decompose, resulting in a loss of effectiveness or even the manifestation of harmful consequences.…”

Modeling Predictors of Medication Waste Reduction Intention in Algeria: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior

“…Moreover, Aruta [ 56 ] (2022) revealed that positive attitudes significantly predicted intentions to avoid plastic waste by reducing the use of plastic. Hajj et al [ 28 ] found that positive attitudes toward correct (unused or expired) medication disposal were significantly affected by higher knowledge. A study conducted by Alhamad and Donyai [ 38 ] revealed that attitudes positively affect the intention to reuse medications (i.e., returned unused medications to pharmacies) as one of the solutions to reduce medication waste.…”

“…Thus, the waste of medications is considered a serious problem which has serious negative consequences on the environment and society [ 13 , 15 , 20 , 25 , 26 , 27 ] and public health [ 6 , 28 , 29 ], and leads to economic and financial losses [ 26 , 30 ] that greatly affect the health care budget [ 19 , 31 ] in various countries of the world. Accordingly, solving this problem requires the concerted efforts of many stakeholders [ 31 ], and taking appropriate measures to reduce medication waste [ 4 ].…”

“…Despite it all, current research has focused on investigating issues related to the medication waste reality, such as the examination of medication waste volume [ 2 ], medication waste disposal [ 6 , 9 , 12 , 16 , 17 , 33 , 34 ], medication waste practices [ 13 , 27 ], knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards wasting medications [ 1 , 28 , 35 ], causative factors of medication waste [ 14 ], and determinants of medications storage [ 5 , 36 , 37 ]. Moreover, other studies have focused on medication waste management [ 4 , 8 , 25 , 26 ].…”