Disposal of Expired and Unused Medications: Practices Among Undergraduate Students in Kuantan, Malaysia.

Improper disposal of unused and expired medications is a growing global concern that contributes to environmental pollution and public health risks. Although several initiatives aim to promote safe disposal, awareness among the general public, particularly among university students, is still limited. This study aims to examine the practices of undergraduate students regarding pharmaceutical waste disposal at a tertiary institution in Malaysia, and further examine the potential influence of socio-demographic factors on disposal behaviors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire adapted from a previous study to assess students’ practices related to the disposal of unused and expired medications. Among 259 respondents, 90% reported having unused or expired medications stored at home or in their hostels. More than half (51.7%) reported not receiving information regarding proper disposal methods, although 78.8% acknowledged the potential environmental and public health risks associated with improper disposal. A total of 73.1% of students stored unused medications until they expired. Among expired medications, only 1.2% were returned to the pharmacy, indicating very low rates of appropriate disposal. Female students were significantly more likely than males to keep unused drugs until expiry. The findings reveal that only a minority of students practiced proper medication disposal, with notable gender differences in behavior. Targeted educational interventions and awareness programs are needed to promote safe and responsible disposal practices.

Drug Storage, Environment, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

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