Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Disposal Practices and Awareness in Sefwi Wiawso Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Background and Aims

The rising global demand for medication has intensified concerns about improper pharmaceutical waste disposal in Ghana. Although disposal laws exist, enforcement is weak. While some Ghanaian regions report poor disposal practices, the Western North remains unstudied. Sefwi Wiawso Municipal (SWM), a rapidly growing area with numerous health facilities, pharmacies, and OTCMs, lacks data on how pharmaceutical waste is handled. This study assessed disposal practices and environmental awareness among households and pharmacies/OTCMs in SWM.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 230 households and 31 pharmacies/OCTMs. Using the Kobo toolbox and Kobo Collect application, pre-validated structured questionnaires were administered randomly in major towns within the SWM.

Results

Of the household respondents, 77.39% reported the disposal of unused or expired drugs by placing them in the garbage before disposal at a dumpsite. Similarly, pharmacies reported that 45.16%, 41.94%, and 51.61% of solid, liquid, and semi-solid pharmaceutical wastes, respectively, were disposed of in the same manner. The majority of household respondents (86.09%) were unaware that they could return unused or expired medications to pharmacies for proper disposal. The survey revealed unhealthy disposal practices in both homes and pharmacies in the SWM, with analgesics, antimalarials, and antibiotics being the most frequently disposed of drugs. A higher percentage of respondents lacked knowledge about the potential effects of these residues on nontargeted organisms in the environment.

Conclusion

This study underscores the pressing need for public education on the proper disposal of unused and expired medications to mitigate the potential adverse effects of pharmaceutical residues on the environment and non-targeted organisms.