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Background <p>Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals poses significant environmental and public health risks globally. This study aimed to explore pharmacists’ perspectives on the implementation of state-run drug take-back programs (SDTBPs), identify perceived barriers to their establishment, and examine current practices related to the disposal of unused and expired medications (UEMs) in community pharmacies.</p> Methods <p>This cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 community pharmacies in Zambia. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the factors associated with disposal practices of unused and expired medications. Statistically significant results were defined by adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a p-value below 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.</p> Results <p>The majority of participants demonstrated improper disposal practices, particularly for solid dosage forms and Liquid dosage forms. For solid dosage forms, the majority 180 (79.3%) of participants disposed of them in rubbish bins. For liquid dosage forms, 187 (80%) poured them down sinks, while 129 (57%) flushed them down the toilet. Most 220 (96%) of participants supported the creation of SDTBP in Zambia. The majority 193 (87.7%) of participants suggested that the government through Zambia Medicine Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) should be the one responsible for funding SDTBP. Public hospital pharmacies 188.41(83%) and retail pharmacies 112.58 (54%) were the most popular choices among participants for returning unused and expired medicines. Lack of awareness, insufficient funding, and limited infrastructure were the most cited perceived barriers towards the establishment of a drug take-back program.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings of this study revealed that the majority of Community pharmacists follow improper methods of disposing of unused and expired medicines. The overwhelming majority believed that Zambia should introduce a national medicine disposal scheme. Addressing key potential barriers such as lack of awareness, funding, and infrastructure would be essential for the program’s success, with government involvement being a crucial factor.</p>

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Assessment of pharmacists’ perspectives on state-run drug take-back programs and disposal practices for unused and expired medications in Zambian community pharmacies

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月8日

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  • Martin Kampamba,
  • Msonda Chawangwana,
  • Boris Mwanza,
  • Christabel Mwila Hikaambo,
  • Billy Chabalenge,
  • Tadious Chimombe,
  • Don Sondi Mwangana

摘要

Background

Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals poses significant environmental and public health risks globally. This study aimed to explore pharmacists’ perspectives on the implementation of state-run drug take-back programs (SDTBPs), identify perceived barriers to their establishment, and examine current practices related to the disposal of unused and expired medications (UEMs) in community pharmacies.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 community pharmacies in Zambia. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the factors associated with disposal practices of unused and expired medications. Statistically significant results were defined by adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a p-value below 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The majority of participants demonstrated improper disposal practices, particularly for solid dosage forms and Liquid dosage forms. For solid dosage forms, the majority 180 (79.3%) of participants disposed of them in rubbish bins. For liquid dosage forms, 187 (80%) poured them down sinks, while 129 (57%) flushed them down the toilet. Most 220 (96%) of participants supported the creation of SDTBP in Zambia. The majority 193 (87.7%) of participants suggested that the government through Zambia Medicine Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) should be the one responsible for funding SDTBP. Public hospital pharmacies 188.41(83%) and retail pharmacies 112.58 (54%) were the most popular choices among participants for returning unused and expired medicines. Lack of awareness, insufficient funding, and limited infrastructure were the most cited perceived barriers towards the establishment of a drug take-back program.

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that the majority of Community pharmacists follow improper methods of disposing of unused and expired medicines. The overwhelming majority believed that Zambia should introduce a national medicine disposal scheme. Addressing key potential barriers such as lack of awareness, funding, and infrastructure would be essential for the program’s success, with government involvement being a crucial factor.