Exploring medication disposal practices and public awareness in Al Ain: A Cross-sectional study

Pharmacy Practice

  • Noon Abubakr Abdelrahman Kamil1Fatima College for Health Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Al Ain Campus, UAE.
  • Shahbaa Salem Saeed Sulaiman Alshebli2Ain Al Khaleej Hospital, Al Ain, UAE.
  • Hind Abdulla Khamis Mohammed Al Haddadi2Ain Al Khaleej Hospital, Al Ain, UAE.
  • Abdiraheem Yusuf Ali1Fatima College for Health Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Al Ain Campus, UAE.
  • Monika Sachdeva1Fatima College for Health Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Al Ain Campus, UAE.
  • Memona Abuzar1Fatima College for Health Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Al Ain Campus, UAE.
  • Sara Alnuaimi1Fatima College for Health Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Al Ain Campus, UAE.
  • Yassin Al Hariri1Fatima College for Health Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Al Ain Campus, UAE.

Volume 24 Issue 3 Pages 1-9

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3640

Abstract

Background: Medicines are vital for treating different diseases and supporting overall health. However, once they are no longer needed, they should be disposed of properly as improper disposal of unused or expired medications can pose serious risks to both the environment and public health. Aims: To evaluate medication disposal practices among adult residents of Al Ain, UAE, and to explore the pharmacist’s role in medication disposal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographics, disposal practices, awareness of disposal programs, and the role of pharmacists. A total of 362 residents aged 18 and above participated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 30.0, with chi-square tests applied to examine associations between demographic variables and disposal behavior. Results: Although 92.5% of participants reported checking medication expiry dates, only 63.6% took precautions when disposing of medications. Notably, 38.1% disposed of medications in regular trash. Awareness of official disposal programs was low (78.2% unaware), but 93.4% expressed willingness to use a medication disposal box. A significant association was found between age and safe disposal practices (p < 0.05). Most respondents (85.1%) trusted pharmacists for guidance, yet 62.4% had never received such advice. Conclusion: While general awareness of medication safety is promising, unsafe disposal practices persist. Enhancing public education, empowering pharmacists, and expanding access to disposal infrastructure are critical for improving safe medication disposal in the community.

Keywords

  • Al Ain
  • Environmental health
  • Medication disposal
  • Pharmacist role
  • public awareness
  • United Arab Emirates
Pharmacy Practice

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