Public awareness, knowledge, and attitude regarding proper disposal of unused medicines and associated factors in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia

Background: Proper disposal of unwanted medicines, in addition to reducing wastage, has a positive impact on the environment and public health. Improper disposal of medications increases the risk of accidental poisonings, particularly among children. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding the proper disposal of unused medicines in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.

Method: From 30 July to 30 August 2023, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the public in Gondar city. The data were gathered using the Kobo toolbox, exported into an Excel sheet, and then analyzed using SPSS version 27. Multivariate and bivariate binary logistic regressions were performed. A p-value of 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine statistical significance.

Result: From 786 study participants, the overall knowledge and attitude of the community toward the proper disposal of unused medicines were 42.6 and 42.9%, respectively. Factors identified in this study included ages between 19 and 25 [AOR = 6.91, 95% CI: (3.45, 13.84); education level: secondary [AOR = 11.82, 95% CI: (1.01, 3.29)] and college and above [AOR = 5.68, 95% CI: (2.25, 14.30)]; prior information [AOR = 6.41; 95% CI: (4.02, 10.22)]; and good attitudes [AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: (1.47, 3.02)]] as factors associated with good knowledge toward proper disposal of unused medicines. In addition, receiving information [AOR = 1.86 95% CI: (1.22, 2.86)], taking medication in the past 6 months [AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: (1.09, 2.38)], and being knowledgeable [AOR = 2.07 95% CI: (1.46, 2.94)] were factors contributing to positive attitudes toward the disposal of unused medicines among the general public. Furthermore, approximately 369 participants (46.9%) in our study lacked awareness about the harmful effects of disposing of unused medicine in regular waste.

Conclusion: A relatively low level of knowledge and attitudes about the proper disposal of unused medications is present in the community. In this regard, a well-coordinated and methodical public awareness campaign is recommended to disseminate information and promote the appropriate disposal of unused medications.

Introduction

Subsequent advancement in healthcare systems has led to a considerable rise in medication accessibility (1). Medicines are a crucial component of medical care but can cause detrimental effects if wrongly taken and maintained by the consumers. Many consumers are unaware of proper disposal methods for unused medicines (2). Children and pets are at risk of poisoning by unused medicines left insecurely in a home rather than being properly disposed of after use. It is due to the inherent characteristics of pharmaceutical substances that they may inadvertently impact animals and microorganisms within the surrounding ecosystem (3). Drugs may negatively affect wildlife, with estrogens feminizing male fish of many species, raising the risk of ecotoxicological effects (4, 5).

The microorganisms, upon transmission to humans, may already possess resistance to the existing antibiotics due to inadequate disposal, thereby contributing to heightened morbidity and mortality rates, as well as imposing an economic burden on the healthcare system (4, 6). Reducing the risk of releasing unused medicinal products into the environment is highly desirable as the management of pharmaceutical waste in the environment is both challenging and potentially costly, in addition to the harm it poses to public health (7). However, in most African countries, few programs or systems are advocating safe disposal habits of unused medicines (8).

Lack of knowledge about proper disposal systems in low-income settings, coupled with local attitudes, means that pharmaceuticals are often disposed of in an unsafe manner. Programs or systems encouraging the safe disposal of unused medications in African countries remain scarce. For instance, Ethiopia currently lacks a national policy for effectively controlling the safe disposal of unused medicines. However, Ghana has taken steps to implement a program aimed at minimizing the accumulation of unused medications (9). Kenya is considered a benchmark for pharmaceutical waste disposal, with comprehensive guidelines and procedures in place (10). In contrast, Ethiopia faces challenges in pharmaceutical waste management, including a lack of proper practices, limited disposal facilities, inadequate administrative and regulatory systems, and unclear guidelines. Medical waste is often burned at healthcare facilities despite issues with low-quality incinerators and open burning. Furthermore, the safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste is not enforced at the household level in Ethiopia (11). Exploring drug take-back systems and encouraging the participation of consumers in appropriate disposal methods are considered favorable avenues to prevent unused medications from ending up in landfills and wastewater (12). Assessing the extent to which possess the necessary measures to manage pharmaceutical waste effectively is crucial for revamping the wellbeing of individuals and populations (13).

Users’ understanding of pharmaceutical waste and their disposal behavior was assessed in studies conducted around the world. Studies conducted in Africa regarding public awareness of the disposal of unused medicines found that 31.77% (14) and 52.4% (15) “strongly agreed” that unused medicines pose a risk or could lead to negative consequences. While 89.02% of respondents (14) said it was a lack of sufficient information that caused the negative consequences, 38.8% of respondents (15) also believed it was. In Gondar city, studies have revealed that self-medication practices and easy access to prescription medicines have increased significantly in recent years (16, 17). Consequently, medicines may go unused or become outdated and expired and are disposed of indiscriminately. Understanding appropriate medicine disposal and attitudes needs to be developed within communities (18, 19). This study aimed to assess and report the level of knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding the proper disposal of unused medicines in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.

Method

Study settings, design, and period

A community-based cross-sectional study was employed in Gondar city, Northeast Ethiopia. The city is found in Amhara Regional State, 728 km away from Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. According to the 2007 population and housing census report, Gondar town has an estimated population of 206,987. The municipal authorities reported a population of 454,445 for the fiscal year 2021/2022. The town is organized into six sub-towns and 36 Kebele administrations. The study took place from 30 July to 30 August 2023.

Population

The source population for this study comprised all the residents residing in Gondar city. The study focused on residents present during the data collection period. Exclusions were made for individuals under 18 years of age, those facing severe illness, those unable to communicate, and those residing in the city for less than 6 months.

Sample size determination and sampling technique

The sample size (n) of 844 was computed utilizing a single population proportion formula, referencing a prior study in Adigrat city where half of the respondents (50.14%) exhibited good knowledge regarding the disposal of unused and expired medicines (20). This calculation incorporated a 95% confidence interval, a margin of error (d) set at 5%, and an additional 10% for the non-response rate. A design effect was factored in by multiplying the result by 2. The total sample size was proportionately allocated to each kebele through the utilization of a stratified sampling technique. Gondar city encompasses 36 Kebeles distributed among six sub-city administrations. Nine Kebeles (Angereb, Arebegnoch, Fasiledes, Abajale, Kerkos, Ayra, Teda, Bilajig, and Hidase) were randomly selected for inclusion in the study using a lottery method (Figure 1). The present count of the total population was obtained from the city administration. The list of households, along with their corresponding addresses, was acquired from each Kebele administrative office. Within each stratum, samples were selected in proportion to their total population, using the number of households as the sampling frame. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select households from each Kebele. The sampling interval for each kebele was established by dividing the total number of households in each kebele by its proportionally allocated sample size. Subsequently, every K^th value of households was interviewed, with the initial household selected through a lottery method.

Figure 1

Figure 1. Schematic presentation of the sampling procedure for selecting study participants, Gondar City, northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

Data collection instrument and data collection procedure

The data collection tool was adapted from prior studies (15, 20–22), and the questionnaire comprised four parts. Part 1 encompassed socio-demographic information, Part 2 included an awareness survey, Part 3 contained items assessing attitudes toward the proper disposal of unused medicines, and Part 4 involved items evaluating knowledge regarding the proper disposal of unused medicines. The questionnaire was initially developed in English and later translated into Amharic, the local language. After adjustments, including the deletion and rephrasing of questions, as well as the addition of instructions, the final questionnaire was compiled. For electronic administration, a computer-based Kobo Toolbox software¹ was utilized to create the questionnaire, which was structured within Kobo Toolbox for use on mobile devices and tablets during field data collection.

Table 1

Table 1. Socio-demographic characteristics of participants in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2023 (n = 786).

Four individuals with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy were enlisted for data collection. The data collectors initiated contact with the head of the household for the interview. In instances where the head of the household was unavailable during data collection, any household member aged 18 years and above was selected for participation in the study. If no member of a household was accessible at the time of data collection, the subsequent household in the sampling sequence was chosen. In this study, we used an interviewer-administered questionnaire where the interviewer read the questions and recorded responses using electronic devices, specifically the Kobo Toolbox.

Variables of the study

Dependent variable

Public awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward proper disposal of unused medicines.

Independent variables

Socio-demographic factors, such as gender, age, and educational background, prior information, chronic disease history, respondents’ attitudes, and medication usage within the past 6 months.

Measuring technique

The respondents were invited to answer the following questions about their awareness concerning the proper disposal of unused medicines and respondents’ sense of responsibility toward protecting the environment. (1) Do you have any unused medicine at home? (2) Have you ever received any information about safe ways of disposing of unwanted pharmaceuticals? (3) Where do you get the information? (4) Do you know that the disposing of unused medicine into the waste is harmful? (5) Do you know disposing of unused medicines into waste has any effect on the environment and population health?

A set of 12 yes/no items was used to test respondents’ knowledge of the proper disposal of unused medicines; 1 point was given for the correct answer and 0 points was given for the incorrect answer. The sum of the values was 0 to 12. The mean value was taken as a cutoff point to categorize good and poor knowledge toward proper disposal of unused medicines. A set of 9 Likert-type items running from ‘strongly disagree’ (=1) through ‘neutral’ (=3) to ‘strongly agree’ (=5) concerning respondents’ attitudes was used. The total score ranges from 9 to 45, with an overall higher mean score indicating a positive attitude toward proper disposal of unused medicines.

Data quality control

The questionnaire was prepared in English and translated into Amharic and then back to English to maintain consistency. To ensure the quality of the data, the questionnaire was checked for its meaningful sentences and incorporation of important points. A pre-test was conducted on 5% of the sample size in non-selected areas of study. We made necessary corrections to address potential issues, unanticipated interpretations, and cultural objections in the questionnaires based on the findings from a pre-test conducted before data collection. The training was given to data collectors on the purpose of the study, the questioner, and how to obtain interviews and fill in the responses.

Furthermore, the principal investigator and supervisor made spot-checking and reviewing electronic-based questionnaires daily to ensure the quality of data completeness and consistency of the information collected. Finally, before data entry, collected data were again reviewed and checked by investigators for completeness, and the data were password-protected on the computer and were only shared with the research team.

Data analysis

The data were exported into SPSS version 27 for analysis after being cleaned in Excel. Descriptive statistics were calculated to demonstrate means, standard deviations, and frequencies. Responses related to knowledge and attitude were classified into good and poor responses by following the measuring technique mentioned above. The binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify variables associated with the dependent variable. The independent variables with a p-value less than 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were candidate variables and entered into multivariable logistic regression analysis. Finally, significant factors were identified based on AOR at a 95% confidence level at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents

In this study, 786 respondents were interviewed, and the response rate was 93.1%. Of the total respondents, 228 (29.0%) were aged from 26 to 30 years. The mean (± standard deviation) age of mothers was 35.77 (± 13.27) years, and their ages ranged from 19 to 85 years. The majority of the respondents, 335 (42.6%), were employed, and 442 (53.7%) were married. More than half of the respondents, 432 (55.0%), were male. Concerning educational status, almost half of the respondents (357, 45.4%) were college and above, and 103 (13.1%) were unable to read and write (Table 1).

Status of participants’ awareness and sources of drug disposal-related information

To assess participants’ awareness of the harmful nature of medicines, they were questioned about the effects of improperly disposing of medicines on the environment and population health. The findings indicated that 102 (13%) were unaware of any impact that medicines may have on the environment and population health. In contrast, a significant majority of 684 (87%) demonstrated awareness of the potential consequences of medicines on these aspects (Table 2).

Table 2

Table 2. Drug disposal-related awareness among the study participants in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2023 (n = 786).

A mere 23.8% of respondents said they had received information about properly disposing of unused medicines. Respondents most often indicated that their sources of information about drug disposal came from the pharmacy (36.9%), mass media (20.9%), and also other sources (24.0%) (Table 3).

Table 3

Table 3. Drug disposal-related information sources among the study participants in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2023 (n = 786).

Knowledge and attitude toward proper disposal of unused medicines

A total of 335 study participants (42.6%; 95% CI: 39.2, 46.3) had good knowledge of how to properly dispose of unused medicines. Approximately 337 (42.9%; 95% CI: 39.4–46.4) participants also exhibited a good attitude toward properly disposing of unused medication (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Figure 2. Level of knowledge and attitude toward proper disposal of unused medicines among the public in Gondar City, northwest Ethiopia, 2023 (n = 786).

Factors associated with respondents’ knowledge of disposal of unused medicines

Age, education status, receiving any information on how to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals, medication use in the past 6 months, and attitude toward proper disposal of unused medicines were significantly associated with participants’ knowledge after adjusting for covariates (Table 4). The odds of having good knowledge are 6.91 (AOR = 6.91, 95% CI 3.45, 13.84) and 1.89 (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.15, 3.08) times higher at ages between 19 and 25, and 26 and 30, respectively, as compared to ages older than 44. In comparison to those who were unable to write or read, respondents who were college and above educated and secondary school educated (AOR = 5.68, 95% CI [2.25,14.30]) and (AOR = 11.82, 95% CI [1.01, 3.29]) had good knowledge of proper disposal. It was 6.41 times more likely for participants to have good knowledge if they received information about the safe disposal of unused pharmaceuticals (AOR = 6.41; 95% CI 4.02, 10.22) than their counterparts. In addition, the odds of good knowledge were 2.11 times (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.47, 3.02) higher among those with good attitudes toward proper disposal. In the same vein, possessing good knowledge was found to be 1.83 times higher (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.15, 2.91) among respondents who had not used medication in the past 6 months.

Table 4

Table 4. The bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis for factors associated with knowledge of proper disposal of unused medicines among the public in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2023 (n = 786).

Factors associated with respondents’ attitudes toward disposal of unused medicines

Attitude toward proper disposal of unused medicines was significantly associated with ever receiving any information about safe ways of disposing of unwanted pharmaceuticals, use of any medication for the past 6 months, and knowledge about the proper disposal of unused medicines with p-values <0.05 and < 0.01. Compared to their counterparts, those who received information about the safe disposal of unused pharmaceuticals were more likely to have a positive attitude toward proper disposal (AOR = 1.86 95% CI: 1.22,2.86). Similarly, respondents who did not use medication in the past 6 months were more likely than respondents who did possess good attitudes (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.09, 2.38). The odds of having a good attitude toward the proper disposal of unused medicines increased (AOR = 2.07 95% CI: 1.46,2.94) when one was knowledgeable about how to dispose of unused medicines (Table 5).

Table 5

Table 5. The bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis for factors associated with attitude toward proper disposal of unused medicines among the public in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2023 (n = 786).

Discussion

It has been documented in the literature that users are unclear about who offers medication disposal programs and how to properly dispose of unused medications (2). The consumer’s attitude toward medication disposal and their knowledge of the facts about it are essential components of implementation strategies to properly manage pharmaceutical waste (23). Based on this study, only 23.8% of the participants stated that they had received information on the proper disposal of unused medications. This is lower than a similar study, which declared that only 28.3% had never received any information on how to dispose of unused or unwanted medications (24). In the study with participants who received information, pharmacy (36.9%) was most often mentioned as the source of drug disposal information.

A significant finding from our study is that 369 participants (46.9%) showed a lack of awareness regarding the harmful effects of disposing of unused medicine in regular waste. In contrast, countries such as Sweden, where pharmaceutical companies and the government work together to conduct awareness campaigns, have achieved a much higher level of awareness (2). The lack of awareness observed could be partly attributed to the absence of a well-established drug-take-back system in Ethiopia, including the specific study area. Implementing such a program would likely contribute to raising awareness regarding the proper disposal of unused medications (25).

The findings of this study bear witness to another study where 79.8% of respondents thought pharmacists were the best source of information on drug disposal (24). Despite the pharmacy being the best place to educate the community while dispensing (26), the most reported place by respondents, only 42.6% of respondents had good knowledge of how to properly dispose. This might be because pharmacists do not consider proper disposal information a crucial component of counseling, so people are not informed of the proper disposal of unused medications. It may be linked to pharmacists not considering proper disposal information as a vital component of counseling; hence, respondents are not informed by the pharmacist on what to do with unused medications, indicating poor knowledge about proper disposal methods (27).

Based on our data, 42.6% of participants had good knowledge of how to dispose of unused medicines. Compared to a similar study conducted in Adigrat city (20), which gave a score of 50.14, 70.1% in Malaysia (28), 71.6% in Indonesia (29), and 76% in Makerere (30), the value observed in this study was lower. Nevertheless, it was higher in contrast to the findings of research carried out in Lebanon (24), which reported a mere 24.5% level of knowledge. Possibly, the discrepancy in knowledge levels might be attributed to the absence of awareness campaigns promoting proper medicine disposal as beneficial to health and the environment. Furthermore, a lack of convenient and easily accessible locations to return unused medications may also contribute to the lack of knowledge in this area (25).

This study discovered that approximately 42.9% of the participants exhibit a favorable attitude toward the appropriate disposal of unused pharmaceuticals. Conversely, other studies of a similar nature have reported percentages of 82.2% in Adigrat city (20), 76.7% in Malaysia (28), 68.2% in Indonesia (29), 64.8% in India (31), and 22.6% in Lebanon (24). There is probably a need to enhance the attitude of communities concerning the appropriate and secure disposal of unused medications. In addition, it outlines the importance of raising awareness about the detrimental consequences of improper disposal and providing education about the safe disposal of unused medicines.

Age, education, awareness of how to dispose of unused medicines, and medication use in the past 6 months were significantly associated with good knowledge. A good knowledge score was found among respondents of younger ages. Young adults between the ages of 19–25 years are 6.91 times more likely to have good knowledge about the proper disposal of unused medicines than older adults aged 44 years and older, which is in line with a similar study in Lebanon (24). Despite the older participants using more medicines and having more knowledge about the safe disposal of medications, the younger participants scored higher on knowledge. Older adults may be limited in their ability to watch, read, and understand information and lack familiarity with modern technologies, social networks/internet use (32). However, individuals with educational backgrounds at the secondary school level (with a 1.82-fold increase, p < 0.05) and at the college level and beyond (with a 5.68-fold increase, p < 0.001) exhibited a significantly higher perceived knowledge score compared to those who lack literacy skills. This finding aligns with previous research conducted in Adigrat city (20) and Lebanon (24).

People with higher levels of education may be more intuitive about seeking information and have a better understanding of their surroundings, but those with a lower level of education are more likely to encounter difficulties and may not realize the negative consequences of improperly disposing of medications (18). Participants who received information about the safe disposal of unused medicines were 6.41 times more likely to possess good knowledge than their counterparts. The finding may suggest that the lack of information reaching the general public can have an impact on the optimal approach to unused medicine disposal, influencing individuals’ decisions and promoting the adoption of safe disposal practices (23). Similarly, respondents who had not used medication in the past 6 months were found to have a 1.83 times higher likelihood of possessing good knowledge, which is consistent with a study conducted in Arba Minch (33).

Multivariate logistic regression revealed that good attitudes toward proper disposal of unused medicines were significantly associated with people who did not take any medications in the previous 6 months. Respondents who did not use medication in the past 6 months were 1.61 more likely to possess good attitudes than those who did. Furthermore, individuals who received information about safe disposal of unused pharmaceuticals were 1.86 times more likely to have good attitudes toward proper disposal than their counterparts.

A significant association was found between respondents’ attitudes and their knowledge in the current study. In this study, those with good attitudes were 2.11 times more likely to have good knowledge about the proper disposal of unused medicines, while those with good attitudes were 2.07 times more likely to have a good attitude toward proper disposal of unused medicines, corroborated study conducted in Lebanon (24). This suggests people with positive attitudes are more likely to acquire knowledge, and people with higher levels of knowledge are more likely to have positive attitudes. The idea is that by increasing awareness, the community is more likely to have a positive attitude and knowledge regarding proper disposal, thus helping to protect the environment and public health (34).

Limitations of the study

A limitation of the study was that the majority of participants were young individuals residing in urban areas, possessing a high level of education and having exposure to information from social media platforms. Therefore, it is necessary to exercise caution when generalizing our findings to the entire population. Although the current sample size may be sufficient for achieving statistical significance, it is advisable to employ a larger sample size to enhance the relevance of the findings to the broader community. Due to the utilization of a cross-sectional study design in this research, establishing a causal association between the dependent and independent variables is not feasible.

Conclusion

It has been determined that the public possesses a relatively low level of knowledge and attitudes concerning the proper disposal of unused medications. The knowledge and attitudes were associated with multiple factors, which encompass age, educational attainment, reception of information regarding the disposal of unwanted pharmaceuticals, and utilization of any medication within the past half-year. This finding implies that targeted corrective interventions should fully consider these aforementioned factors. Consequently, it is recommended that a well-coordinated and methodical public awareness campaign be executed to disseminate information and knowledge concerning the health hazards associated with unused medications, as well as to promote the appropriate disposal thereof.

Data availability statement

The data underlying the conclusions in this article will be provided upon request, with inquiries directed to the corresponding author.

Ethics statement

The study obtained ethical approval from the Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University (Ref: WU Phar/266/2013). Additionally, an official permission letter was obtained from the Gondar city administration to conduct the study. Before obtaining written or verbal consent, potential participants were informed about the study’s objectives and anticipated benefits. All participants willingly took part in the interviews, and their confidentiality was guaranteed.

Author contributions

AT: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. GG: Resources, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Data curation, Software. LW: Conceptualization, Data curation, Resources, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Software. LY: Conceptualization, Data curation, Resources, Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. AM: Data curation, Resources, Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. TA: Data curation, Resources, Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. WA: Conceptualization, Data curation, Resources, Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. WS: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all participants in this study as well as individuals who contributed in any way to the process of the study.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Footnotes

1. ^https://www.kobotoolbox.org/

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