KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND DISPOSAL PRACTICES OF UNUSED PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS

The improper disposal of unused or expired pharmaceutical products is a global problem, with serious implications on public health, environmental safety, and water quality. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate and determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the population regarding the management of pharmaceutical waste. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among residents of North Macedonia, using a Google Forms prepared questionnaire. A total of 1,046 respondents participated in the survey. Almost 50.0% declared they store more than 6 pharmaceutical products at home, mainly analgesics (60.2%) and antibiotics (57.6%). High percentage of respondents (86.4%) declared that they throw pharmaceutical products in the trash bin, while 84.7% gave a negative response regarding a designated collection point for unused or expired pharmaceutical products. Majority of respondents, 68.2%, were not aware of the existence of laws and guidelines for the safe disposal of pharmaceutical products. It is of great importance to intensify efforts to raise public awareness about the safe pharmaceutical disposal, as well as strengthening the rule of law and inspection mechanisms. Training and educational programs for the safe disposal of pharmaceutical products should be organized, with pharmacies identified by respondents as the most appropriate location for such initiatives.