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Pharmacists' Knowledge Regarding Drug Disposal in Karbala.
1Pharmacy Department, Al Safwa University College, Karbala 56001, Iraq. khansaa.albaroodi@hotmail.com.
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 13, 2019
Summary
Pharmacists in Karbala, Iraq, demonstrated poor knowledge of safe medication disposal methods. Educational interventions are crucial to improve pharmaceutical waste management and prevent medication misuse.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Proper disposal of expired or unwanted medications is essential to prevent misuse and accidental exposure.
- This study focuses on assessing pharmacists' knowledge of drug disposal practices in Karbala, Iraq.
- Understanding current practices is vital for developing effective medication waste management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the knowledge level of pharmacists in Karbala, Iraq, concerning appropriate drug disposal methods.
- To identify barriers to implementing effective medication disposal programs.
- To inform the development of targeted educational initiatives for healthcare professionals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 129 pharmacists in Karbala from December 2018 to January 2019.
- A validated, 12-item, self-administered questionnaire assessed pharmacists' knowledge of pharmaceutical waste generation and disposal.
- Data analysis focused on understanding current perceptions and practices regarding medication disposal.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of pharmacists (65.9%) considered returning medications to the source as appropriate disposal.
- Many participants agreed with disposing of drugs in household trash, indicating potential environmental and safety concerns.
- Over 60% of pharmacists identified education as the primary barrier to establishing medicine take-back programs in Iraq.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists in the study exhibited inadequate knowledge regarding safe and effective drug disposal methods.
- There is a clear need for educational courses and workshops for healthcare providers, including pharmacists, in Iraq.
- Improving knowledge on medication disposal is critical for public health and environmental safety.
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