Implementation of medicine take-back concept at community level in Nepal: a pilot study

Abstract

Background Most households may have leftover, unwanted, unused and expired (UUE) medicines. The present research aimed to analyze feasibility of implementation of medicine take-back in select communities in Nepal. Methods Exploratory (i.e. feasibility) study was conducted among 400 adults from July 2017 to January 2018. Study sites and participants were selected by simple random sampling and respondents were interviewed about their awareness about medicine disposal, hazards and willingness to support take-back program using semi-structured questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to explore relationship of take-back related outcomes with the predictors. The P-value < 0.05 was statistically significant at 95% confidence level. Results Land pollution and effect on health of children was significantly related with inappropriate disposal of medicines such as site of disposal (P value < 0.01), river (P value, 0.02), garbage (P value, 0.04) and dumping site (P value, 0.01). Analysis of willingness to follow take-back program with the techniques of support showed significant relationship with the establishment of collection center and participation on seminar (P value < 0.01). Conclusion Most participants were interested to support take-back, if implemented in their community but main constraint was the budget. Take-back concept could be initiated and implemented on government funding or other sources.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Disposal of Unused, Unwanted and Expired Medicines among Healthcare Professionals

“…Take-back concept could be initiated and implemented on government funding or other sources. 34 Only one-fifth (20.4%) of HCPs had a good practice of disposal of unused, unwanted and expired medicines in the present study. JRs (25.1%) had a better practice than faculties (15.8%) and it was statistically significant (p=0.048).…”

Advancing opioid stewardship in low-middle-income countries: challenges and opportunities

“…Following HICs, collaboration between national drug regulatory authorities and ministries responsible for opioid regulations in LMICs, together with the police, drug stores, and local pharmacies, is crucial in managing unused, unwanted and expired medication for safe disposal as well as discouraging illegal opioid distribution. A pilot study to confirm the implementation of the drug take-back concept within the communities of an LMIC concluded that the participants were eager to support the program if implemented; however, the major challenge could be an allocation of budget from the government (Sapkota et al, 2022 ).…”