Household disposal of pharmaceuticals: attitudes and risk perception in a UK sample

Abstract

Pharmaceuticals can enter the environment through disposal in toilets, sinks and general waste. In the UK, household medicines are correctly disposed of by returning them to a pharmacy. This study examined household patterns of medicine waste, storage and disposal practices via a cross-sectional survey with 663 UK adults. Multiple regression was used to explore the contribution of key variables on self-reported medicines disposal behaviour. Analysis demonstrated that age, information, awareness, probability, attitude and intention all predicted correct disposal behaviour. Results indicate that multiple factors influence different disposal destinations uniquely. Affect and age increase disposal in sink/toilet but reduce disposal in bin. Presence of children increase bin and sink/toilet disposal but decrease pharmacy returns. Awareness and received information on correct disposal reduce bin disposal and increase pharmacy returns. The results suggest people use different mental models for each destination with disposal in sink/toilets and bins considered quicker and safer in the presence of children or for those feeling anxious. It is important to understand the capability, opportunity and motivation people have to return medicines to the pharmacy in addition to raising awareness of correct medicine disposal.

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

“…However, in the area of behaviors associated with reducing medication waste, very few studies have employed the TPB or extended TPB to investigate intentions to reduce medication waste (e.g., refs. [ 34 , 38 , 39 , 43 ]). Regardless, according to the results of most of these studies, TPB better predicts waste reduction intentions or behavior.…”

“…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 ].…”

“…[ 30 , 31 ]), especially from the consumers’ perspective (e.g., refs. [ 32 , 34 , 38 , 39 ]). Accordingly, there is a research gap in understanding what drives medication consumers to reduce medication waste.…”

Improving Antimicrobial Use to Protect the Environment: What Is the Role of Infection Specialists?

“…Unused or expired pharmaceuticals that are inappropriately disposed of in general waste, poured into a sink, or flushed down toilets can play a role in the spread of AMR [ 39 , 40 ]. A study assessing attitudes to household disposal of pharmaceuticals in the UK found that households where children live more frequently dispose of medications in the bin, sink, or toilet due to perceived risk of danger from accidental ingestion.…”

“…A study assessing attitudes to household disposal of pharmaceuticals in the UK found that households where children live more frequently dispose of medications in the bin, sink, or toilet due to perceived risk of danger from accidental ingestion. Formulations of pharmaceuticals affected the most common route of disposal (liquid drugs were more frequently poured down the sink rather than put in the bin) [ 40 ]. Infection specialists can increase public awareness to change behaviors at the domestic and individual level, meanwhile recognition and prioritization of AMS and environmental sustainability by health system leaders is necessary to drive changes in how hospital waste is managed.…”