OBJECTIVES:

The general public is unaware of the hazards of improper drug disposal and the safe methods available to overcome these dangers. Provision of knowledge and adequate services can result in an improvement in the knowledge, attitude and practice of public towards safe drug disposal. This study assesses the categorizations and association of risk factors for safe drug disposal to avert improper disposal.

METHODS:

Based on a community based interventional study in a sample of 250 individuals, the statistical association between the variables of the study was identified using Pearson’s correlation and the strength of the relationship between the domains of KAP and the independent variables were identified using Binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

The outcomes of correlation studies quite helped to sum up the overall observations. Individuals who had good knowledge were found to have better attitude (0.149) and practice (0.190) respectively. There was a positive correlation after the intervention and continued good practice (1.000) among those who had good pre- knowledge and attitude. According to regression analysis, participants who possessed an educational level of UG (Undergraduate) and higher expressed a 3.543 improvement in their knowledge and 2.263 times betterment in their attitude towards drug disposal. Varied occupational professionals expressed an impact on the level of acceptance of the information provided, with an odds ratio of 1.742. Individuals who opted one to one counselling demonstrated 4 times increment in their ability to recollect the details imparted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the need to provide general public with essential knowledge and services for proper drugs disposal. The results obtained from regression analysis give an idea of the population to be targeted to bring about an appreciable change in this regard.