Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medication Disposal: A Study on Rural Communities in Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow

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dc.contributor.authorKashyap, Saurabhen_US
dc.contributor.authorMA, Akshataen_US
dc.contributor.authorAgrawal, Anubhaven_US
dc.contributor.authorSingh, Abhisheken_US
dc.contributor.authorVerma, Amanen_US
dc.contributor.authorGupta, Ishen_US
dc.date.accessioned2025-05-09T10:50:28Z
dc.date.available2025-05-09T10:50:28Z
dc.date.issued2024-12
dc.description.abstractIntroduction: The increasing global consumption of medications has led to a significant rise in the improper disposal of unused and expired drugs, posing risks to both human health and the environment. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the understanding, beliefs, and behaviours related to the disposal of such medications within the rural community of Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2024 with 317 participants from rural Sarojini Nagar, including patients and attendants visiting the General and NCD OPD of PHC Sarojininagar, chosen purposively. Participants aged 18 years and above who provided consent were included, while those with cognitive or communication issues were excluded. Participants were interviewed by Junior Residents and Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire to evaluate demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and practices related to the disposal of unused and expired medications. Results: The study revealed a lack of awareness about proper disposal methods, with 77.3% of participants reporting no prior information on the subject. Only 14.8% were aware of drug take-back policies. A majority (87.9%) recognized the harmful effects of improper disposal, and 93.7% agreed that such practices negatively impact the environment. Despite this, 69.4% of participants reported keeping unused medications at home, and 78.0% disposed of expired medications by throwing them in household trash. Conclusion: The findings highlight a significant gap in knowledge and practices regarding safe drug disposal among rural community of Sarojini Nagar. There is an urgent need for targeted educational programs and the implementation of effective drug take-back systems to mitigate the risks associated with improper disposal. Raising awareness and providing clear guidance on safe disposal methods are crucial steps towards protecting public health and the environment in these communities.en_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsAssistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Indiaen_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsJunior Resident Doctor, Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Indiaen_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsMBBS, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Indiaen_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsUnder Graduate Student, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Indiaen_US
dc.identifier.citationKashyap Saurabh, MA Akshata, Agrawal Anubhav, Singh Abhishek, Verma Aman, Gupta Ish. Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medication Disposal: A Study on Rural Communities in Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow. Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, Gujarat Chapter. 2024 Dec; 15(4): 339-345en_US
dc.identifier.issn2229-337X
dc.identifier.issn2320-1525
dc.identifier.placeIndiaen_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/245821
dc.languageenen_US
dc.publisherDr.Viral R.Daveen_US
dc.relation.issuenumber4en_US
dc.relation.volume15en_US
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.51957/Healthline_677_2024en_US
dc.subjectEnvironmental Pollutionen_US
dc.subjectPharmaceutical Preparationsen_US
dc.subjectPublic Healthen_US
dc.subjectRural Healthen_US
dc.subjectWaste Disposal-Solid.en_US
dc.titleAssessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medication Disposal: A Study on Rural Communities in Sarojini Nagar, Lucknowen_US
dc.typeJournal Articleen_US
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