Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas asociadas al almacenamiento y eliminación de desechos farmacéuticos domiciliarios en empleados de la empresa pública municipal ETAPA EP, 2025

Abstract

Introduction: The proper management of household pharmaceutical waste represents a significant challenge for public health and the environment. This study addresses the knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with the storage and disposal of these wastes in employees of the municipal public company ETAPA EP. Objective: To describe the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of the employees of the municipal public company ETAPA EP in relation to the storage and disposal of household pharmaceutical waste. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a population of 304 employees, to whom a digital survey validated by experts was applied. The data obtained were analyzed in the SPSS V26 Statistical program. Results: 58.1% of the population did not identify the different types of pharmaceutical waste; 20.5% recognized all the risks associated with poor management of this waste; 81.3% and 84.5% (respectively) recognized not knowing how to correctly store and dispose of their medicines; 91.4% and 91.8% (respectively) said they had not received information on the correct way to dispose of their medicines from pharmaceutical dispensers; Practices: 73.0% store medicines in their homes (mainly analgesics, vitaminssupplements and antibiotics), 30.7% dispose of them in a differentiated manner, as well as 50% have a person in charge of these at home. Conclusions: Most participants have deficient knowledge and inadequate practices regarding the management of their household pharmaceutical waste, as well as its risks; however, they exhibit a positive attitude towards the importance of good management, the application of community regulations and programs.