A CROSS SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING HANDLING OF EXPIRED MEDICINES AMONG DOCTORS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Keywords:
shelf life, expiry date, pharmaceutical waste, drug disposal.Abstract
Introduction: It is recommended to use medicines within their shelf life. Stability of drugs beyond the date of expiry is unclear. Proper disposal of expired drugs can avoid accidental poisoning in extreme ages and hazardous effects on the environment. The present study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of handling of expired medicines among doctors working in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: The study was conducted in the Government medical college, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh. After obtaining verbal consent, a pre validated questionnaire was shared to the participants through Google forms. It had two parts; part one with participant demographic details and part two comprised of structured multiple choice questions, regarding their knowledge, attitude and practice towards handling of expired medicines. Forms with completed responses were included and analyzed using Microsoft excel 2007
Results: A total of 84 responses were analyzed and it was observed that 88 % of the participants knew the definition of expiry date and its calculation. All the participants checked for the expiry date always. 66% opined that expired drugs should never be used. Only 37% were aware of the color coded bin used to dispose expired medication. 33% responded that pharmaceutical waste can be reduced by rational drug use.
Conclusion: The study shows that there is lacuna regarding knowledge, attitude and practice related to use of expired drugs and their disposal. It is recommended to create awareness regarding the same though workshops and awareness programs.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Sowmya deepthi Chavala, Sowmya deepthi Chavala, Dr.D.Jayasree, Dr.Dara Aruna kumari, Dr.V.Naga jyothi
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