Prevalence of unused medicines and determinants among the general public in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract Background Accumulation, improper storage, and disposal of unused medicines at the household level have become a growing public health, environmental and economic concern. However, the magnitude, reasons, and disposal practices of the problems are not well studied in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of unused medicines in household levels in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data in Addis Ababa from April to May 2021. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and structured observation checklist. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the associated factors of unused medicines. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Results A total of 759 households found in the Gulele and Lideta sub-cities were surveyed, of which, unused medicines were found in 61%. Anti-pains (30%) and anti-microbials (29%) were the most common classes of unused medicines found. The main reasons for the presence of unused medicine were saving for future use (35.8%) and ‘relief or disappearance of symptoms (23.8%). The majority of households (69.2%) used household garbage for the disposal of their unused medicines. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified households who paid out-of-pocket for their medicine (AOR;2.34(1.83–3.84); P = 0.025), had lower level of income (AOR = 1.7(1.51–2.33); P = 0.007), lower level of education (AOR = 2.6(1.58–2.930, P = 0.001) and a long period of prescription (AOR = 1.5(1.82–2.40); P = 0.023) within a single visit were determinants for having unused medicines. Conclusions There was a high prevalence of unused medicine in households of Addis Ababa and high levels of improper disposal. Education about the dangers of keeping unused medicines at home and inappropriate disposal should be given to the community, to mitigate the health and environmental-related risks of these medicines. Policy and guidelines should be set for managing it with the concerned bodies.