Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The improper disposal of unused and expired medications poses significant environmental hazards and increases the risk of human harm. Even in countries with established policies for safe disposal, improper practices persist. In Nigeria, where there is a lack of stringent policies on medication disposal, this issue may be more pronounced. This study aims to assess the patterns of disposal of unused and expired medications among outpatients in selected hospitals in Ibadan. METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between December 2023 and February 2024. The survey was administered by interviewers to consenting outpatients at three healthcare facilities in Ibadan. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with a p-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 864 outpatients participated in the study, with a mean age of 45.1 ± 14.92 years. More than two-fifths of participants had secondary education, while nearly one-third had tertiary education. About two-thirds (66.3%) of the respondents reported obtaining their medications through self-medication. Approximately 39.1% of participants always checked the expiration dates before purchasing medications, while 24.7% did so before reusing them. Majority (70.8%) reported having unused medications at home, with over 95% and nearly 90% disposing of expired solid and liquid medications, respectively, via household waste. Notably, 96.1% of participants reported never receiving education on proper medication disposal. While 47.3% of respondents recognized the environmental impact of improper medication disposal, 46.9% agreed on the need for a strategy to retrieve unused or expired medications. Overall, 68.4% of respondents demonstrated poor perceptions about safe medication disposal practices. Significant associations were found between gender (χ(2) = 10.362, p = 0.001), marital status (χ(2) = 9.824, p = 0.007), education level (χ(2) = 56.91, p < 0.001), and patients' perception towards the disposal of unused and expired medications (UEMs). CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the urgent need for public education, awareness campaigns, and policy reform to promote proper disposal of unused and expired medications in Ibadan, Nigeria.