OBJECTIVES

: Various cross sectional studies conducted in various parts of the world demonstrate a poor knowledge, attitude and practice of public towards safe drug disposal. Educating the society about hazards caused by improper disposal can be useful. The present study examines knowledge, attitude and practice towards drug disposal and also the association between risk factors and safe discarding of drugs in community.

METHODS

: A cross-sectional KAP study was done among 155 people, using 20-point questionnaire. Sampling method adopted was convenient sampling. Statistical association between the variables of study was identified using Pearson’s correlation and the strength of relationship between the domains of KAP and the independent variables were identified using Binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

: Most commonly adopted drug disposal method was discarding in trash (80%) and 78.1% of the respondents consider their practice safe. Majority considered returning to pharmacy (45.8%) and throwing in trash (36.1%) as ideal methods of medication disposal. Pearson correlation showed a positive association between individuals who had an education level ≥undergraduate and their attitude(0.417) and practice(0.654) of drug disposal. Individuals who had an appreciable knowledge had good attitude (0.519) and practice (0.367). Logistic binary regression showed that there was a 2.263 times better attitude and 2.263 times better practice of disposal among participants who had an education level ≥undergraduate compared to others., Self-employed, Semi-professionals, Professionals and retired had 1.206 times better attitude regarding safe drug disposal compared to others.

CONCLUSIONS

: This study highlights on ignorance of people towards the hazards caused by improper drug disposal and safe methods to overcome these dangers. Therefore educating people regarding these matters would be fruitful. The correlation and regression analyses suggest the population to be targeted to make an appreciable impact in this regard.