scholarly journals Practices of Jeddah Residents Regarding the Disposal of Unused and Expired Medications: A Community-Based Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-44
Author(s):  
Afnan Ali Abuassonon ◽  
Bayader Salah Kalkatawi ◽  
Lamia Saeed Alzahrani ◽  
Basma Ghazi Eid ◽  
Thikryat A. Neamatallah

Inappropriate disposal of stored medications leads to an increased risk of environmental toxicity. This study aims to examine practices of Jeddah residents with regard to disposing unused and/or expired medications and to view their opinions about the presence of drug take-back centres. Over a three-month period, 771 participants completed an online questionnaire, that focused on disposal methods and the importance of having drug retrieval centres. The data demonstrated that 91.57% of the participants reported discarding their expired medications in household waste, and 2.98% of them return their medications to hospitals or pharmacies. With respect to unused medications, 67.07% of the participants disposed of them in household waste, and only 10.84% donated their medications. This improper practice, however, contradicted the fact that 92.35% of the respondents were interested in knowing the appropriate methods of disposing. In addition, 90.66% agreed to the need for drug take-back centres. This study demonstrated that a low percentage of respondents knew about correct medication disposal. This emphasizes the need for the Ministry of Health, the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacies to collaborate on a national program about the proper methods of medication disposal and to initiate drug retrieval programs.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL2) ◽  
pp. 239-244
Author(s):  
Hithesh I ◽  
Nisha B ◽  
Timsi Jain

Medicine is a science of uncertainty and an art of probability. Inappropriate disposal of medicines may be harmful to the environment as well as mankind, at the same time improper storage is detrimental. Hence assessment of the ways of Storage, reuse and disposal of unused medications plays a key role. The objective of the study is to investigate the storage and reuse practices of unused medications and to gain insight on knowledge and attitude of proper disposal practices of unused medicines among semi-urban households in urban field practice area of Tertiary medical college hospital of northern Tamil Nadu. This study is a community based cross sectional study. A total of 243 study participants were enrolled using multistage random sampling method. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire is used for conducting face to face interviews. Procurement of medicines is mainly through pharmacy without prescriptions (40.32%), most of the families (42.8%) stored used and unused medications together. On inspection of drugs, 29.6% of expired medicines and 22.23% of medicines without labels were found. The predominant way of disposing medicines is disposal through garbage (51.4%). Addiction level is not much noted and negligible amount of people are aware of drug take back program (0.82%). Awareness must be created about wrongful procurement of drugs, and improper storage of drugs. Drug take back program must be initiated to reduce the improper disposal of drugs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Leiter ◽  
K L Greenberg ◽  
M Donchin ◽  
O Keidar ◽  
S Siemiatycki ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Women from low socio-economic, culturally insular populations are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The ultra-Orthodox Jewish (UOJ) community in Israel is a difficult to access, rapidly growing low socio-economic, insular minority with numerous obstacles to health. The current study investigates CVD-related risk factors (RF) in a sample of OUJ women, comparing sample characteristics with the general population. Addressing the questions, 'Are UOJ women at increased risk for CVD?', 'Which RFs should be addressed beyond the general population's?', this study can inform public health initiatives (PHI) for this and similar populations. Methods Self-administered questionnaires completed by a cluster randomized sample of 239 women from a UOJ community included demographics, fruit, vegetables, and sweetened drink consumption, secondhand smoke exposure, physical activity (PA) engagement, and BMI. Population statistics utilized for comparison of demographic and cardiovascular risk factors were obtained from government-sponsored national surveys. Results Compared with the general population, UOJ women were less likely to consume 5 fruits and vegetables a day (12.7% vs. 24.3%, p<.001) and more likely to consume > 5 cups of sweetened beverages a day (18.6% vs. 12.6%, p=.019). UOJ women also reported less secondhand smoke exposure (7.2% vs. 51.4%, p<.001) and higher rates of PA recommendation adherence (60.1% vs. 25.6%, p<.0001) than the general population. Obesity was higher in UOJ women (24.3% vs. 16.1%, p<.0001). Conclusions This study suggests that PHIs in this population target healthy weight maintenance, nutrition, and PA. As a consequence of this study, the first CVD prevention intervention has been implemented in this population, targeting the identified RFs. Utilizing a mixed methods and community-based participatory approach, this innovative 3-year intervention reached over 2,000 individuals. Key messages This study identified nutrition risk behaviors and high levels of obesity in a difficult to access, minority population. This study informed the planning and implementation of a community-based PHI.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 823
Author(s):  
Sultan Alghadeer ◽  
Mohammed N. Al-Arifi

The awareness among Saudi people regarding the good and safe practice of drug disposal is fairly low. Community pharmacists’ potential toward drugs disposal directions and practice are not emphasized enough. Therefore, a cross sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the practice, awareness and beliefs of community pharmacists about disposal of unused drugs. Out of 360 subjects who participated in the study, more than 70% returned the unused drugs to the pharmaceutical distributors. Around 80% of the participants confirmed the risk of environmental damage due to the inappropriate disposal of drugs, and 87.5% of them held themselves responsible for preventing such risk. Approximately 85% of surveyed pharmacists believed community pharmacies to be an appropriate location for the collection of unused drugs. There was no significant association between the community pharmacists’ age group and years of practice as community pharmacists with either the awareness of unused medication disposal on environmental hazards, or the beliefs about the appropriate location for collecting unused drugs (p > 0.05). The awareness and proactive accountable responsibility, along with community pharmacists’ belief of appointing pharmacies to collect unused drugs, strongly support the institution of drug take-back programs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. e31.1-e31
Author(s):  
T Samuel ◽  
K Aquilina ◽  
W Dawes

ObjectivesTo investigate the current understanding parents have of concussion in their rugby-playing children aged 9–17.DesignCross-sectional studySubjects86 parents from four clubs completed an online questionnaireMethodsAreas covered (1) Parental experience of concussion (2) Rate of viewing of the RFU concussion educational video (RFUCEV), (3) Identification of symptoms of concussion (4) Understanding of the risk of concussion. Each participant was given a composite score, out of 19, based on their performance in symptom identification and true/false questions. Independent-sample two-tailed t-tests were conducted to analyse scores, primarily controlling for viewing of the RFUCEVResultsThere was a significant difference in the scores between the group that had viewed the RFUCEV (n=32, M=14.75, SD=2.55) and those who had not (n=54, M=13.05, SD=2.87); t(84)=2.75, p=0.00721. Additionally, over 25% of parents reported that their child had suffered a concussion, and this was also found to significantly improve the awareness score (p=0.04678)ConclusionsStatistically significant improvement in composite scores after viewing the RFUCEV makes it reasonable to require compulsory parental education prior to signing up a child to play rugby. This would build on the protocol changes made by the RFU in 2014 and further progress the safety of the sport. We suggest the video be improved to emphasise the areas highlighted as inadequately understood, including the increased risk of concussion in under-18s compared to adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha T. Ndlovu-Teijema ◽  
Maarten O. Kok ◽  
Sabine L. van Elsland ◽  
Hilleen Smeets ◽  
David Barstow ◽  
...  

Abstract Background While leading AIDS organizations expect faith and health collaborations to play a crucial role in organizing and scaling up community-based HIV services, it is unclear how this can be realized. Little primary research has been conducted into which strategies for collaboration and service provision are most effective, efficient, scalable and sustainable. Seeking to align research with urgent needs, enhance coordination and increase the likelihood that results are used, this study aimed to set an inclusive global research agenda that reflects priority research questions from key stakeholders at the intersection of HIV healthcare and faith. Methods In order to develop this global research agenda, we drew from document analyses, focus group discussions, interviews with purposively selected key informants from all continents (policy-makers, healthcare providers, faith leaders, academics and HIV activists), an online questionnaire, and expert meetings at several global conferences. We carried out focus group discussions and interviews with faith leaders in South Africa. Other stakeholder focus groups and interviews were carried out online or in person in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and South Africa, and virtual questionnaires were distributed to stakeholders worldwide. Respondents were purposively sampled. Results We interviewed 53 participants, and 110 stakeholders responded to the online questionnaire. The participants worked in 54 countries, with the majority having research experience (84%), experience with policy processes (73%) and/or experience as a healthcare provider (60%) and identifying as religious (79%). From interviews (N = 53) and questionnaires (N = 110), we identified 10 research themes: addressing sexuality, stigma, supporting specific populations, counselling and disclosure, agenda-setting, mobilizing and organizing funding, evaluating faith-health collaborations, advantage of faith initiatives, gender roles, and education. Respondents emphasized the need for more primary research and prioritized two themes: improving the engagement of faith communities in addressing sexuality and tackling stigma. Conclusions A wide range of respondents participated in developing the research agenda. To align research to the prioritized themes and ensure that results are used, it is essential to further engage key users, funders, researchers and other stakeholders, strengthen the capacity for locally embedded research and research uptake and contextualize priorities to diverse religious traditions, key populations and local circumstances.


Author(s):  
Tianqin Shi ◽  
Nicholas C. Petruzzi ◽  
Dilip Chhajed

Problem definition: The eco-toxicity arising from unused pharmaceuticals has regulators advocating the benign design concept of “green pharmacy,” but high research and development expenses can be prohibitive. We therefore examine the impacts of two regulatory mechanisms, patent extension and take-back regulation, on inducing drug manufacturers to go green. Academic/practical relevance: One incentive suggested by the European Environmental Agency is a patent extension for a company that redesigns its already patented pharmaceutical to be more environmentally friendly. This incentive can encourage both the development of degradable drugs and the disclosure of technical information. Yet, it is unclear how effective the extension would be in inducing green pharmacy and in maximizing social welfare. Methodology: We develop a game-theoretic model in which an innovative company collects monopoly profits for a patented pharmaceutical but faces competition from a generic rival after the patent expires. A social-welfare-maximizing regulator is the Stackelberg leader. The regulator leads by offering a patent extension to the innovative company while also imposing take-back regulation on the pharmaceutical industry. Then the two-profit maximizing companies respond by setting drug prices and choosing whether to invest in green pharmacy. Results: The regulator’s optimal patent extension offer can induce green pharmacy but only if the offer exceeds a threshold length that depends on the degree of product differentiation present in the pharmaceutical industry. The regulator’s correspondingly optimal take-back regulation generally prescribes a required collection rate that decreases as its optimal patent extension offer increases, and vice versa. Managerial implications: By isolating green pharmacy as a potential target to address pharmaceutical eco-toxicity at its source, the regulatory policy that we consider, which combines the incentive inherent in earning a patent extension on the one hand with the penalty inherent in complying with take-back regulation on the other hand, serves as a useful starting point for policymakers to optimally balance economic welfare considerations with environmental stewardship considerations.


2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 613-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misty D. Gray-Winnett ◽  
Courtney S. Davis ◽  
Stephanie G. Yokley ◽  
Andrea S. Franks

Author(s):  
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽  
Muna Barakat ◽  
Doa’a B. Al-Tamimi ◽  
Sami A. Alhallaq ◽  
Dima M. Al Hasan ◽  
...  

Background: The relationship between smoking and Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still topical with mixed epidemiological evidence. However, the pandemic may affect people’s beliefs towards smoking as well as smoking behavior and quit intentions. Considering high smoking rates in Jordan, our current study aimed to assess the following points in a community-based sample from Jordan: (i) the beliefs that surround smoking and COVID-19, (ii) the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan utilizing an online questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 13 items on sociodemographic, health, and smoking profiles, 14 items to assess beliefs surrounding COVID-19 and the use of combustible cigarettes (CC), waterpipe (WP), and electronic cigarettes (EC), and 12 items to assess the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. Results: Of 2424 survey respondents who participated in our study there were 1163 never-smokers, 1044 current smokers, and 217 ex-smokers. The mean age of participants was 35.2 years (SD:11.06). Most participants have shown anti-smoking beliefs with around 72.9% believed that WP smoking is related to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Also, 71.7% believed that smoking CC may worsen the COVID-19 clinical course, while 74.1% of respondents believed that smoking has no protective effect against COVID-19. During the pandemic, about 28.1% and 19.3% of current smokers reported increased or reduced smoking, respectively, and many smokers reported their willingness to quit smoking due to the pandemic. Besides, 459 current smokers have expressed their plans/intention to quit smoking during the pandemic, of whom 27.5% (n=126) confirmed that the driving force for their decision is a COVID-19 related reason, such as self-protection (n=123) and protection of family members (=121) which were the most reported ones. Also, around 63 participants have successfully ceased smoking during the pandemic. However, only 22 of them reported that the main driving motivation of their successful quit attempt was the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Most participants reported anti-smoking beliefs and attitudes during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the double-edged effect of the pandemic on smoking habits should be carefully considered, and reliable anti-smoking measures should be strengthened and sustained in the country.


2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Catur Puspawati ◽  
Besral Besral

Kampung Rawajati di Jakarta yang menerapkan sistem pengelolaan sampah berbasis masyarakat merupakan alternatif upaya mengatasi sampah rumah tangga. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh sistem tersebut terhadap penurunan berat sampah rumah tangga. Dengan desain studi potong lintang, penelitian ini dilakukan pada sampel 175 ibu rumah tangga yang dipilih secara acak. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa pengelolaan sampah berbasis masyarakat dapat menurunkan berat sampah sebesar 28,3%. Analisis regresi linier ganda memperlihatkan bahwa kegiatan pengelolaan yang berpengaruh terhadap penurunan berat sampah adalah kegiatan reuse, daur ulang, dan pembuatan kompos (nilai-p < 0,05). Pembuatan kompos merupakan variabel yang berkontribusi terhadap penurunan berat sampah 657,3 gram setelah dikontrol variabel perancu. Penurunan berat sampah ditemukan lebih besar pada rumah tangga yang mendapat pelatihan. Tidak ada perbedaan penurunan berat sampah menurut jumlah anggota keluarga, penghasilan rumah tangga, dan pengetahuan ibu. Disarankan agar Pemerintah DKI Jakarta dapat melakukan replikasi model pengelolaan sampah berbasis masyarakat kepada wilayah lainnya, dengan memberikan pelatihan pengelolaan sampah kepada masyarakat.Kata kunci : Pengelolaan sampah berbasis masyarakat, berat sampah, pengolahan dan minimasi sampahAbstractKampung Rawajati in Jakarta applies community-based solid waste management system as an alternative way to overcome household waste problem. The objective of the research is to assess the effect of community-based solid waste management on reduction of household waste weight. This study has crosssectional study design and was conducted on 175 housewife as respondent who were selected randomly. The data was collected by interview using structured questionnaire and weighing of household waste. The result shows that the community-based solid waste management can reduce 28.3% of household waste weight (weight before: 1.845 gram/house/day and after: 1.324 gram/house/day). Multiple linear regression analysis shows that variables affecting thereduction of solid waste including re-using activity, recycling, and composting (p-value <0.05). Composting represents the biggest effect to reduction (657.26 gram) after controlled by potential confounders. The reduction was higher among household with waste training and number of trained household member. It was found that number of family member, family income, and mother knowledge are not significant. It was recommended to the Government of DKI Jakarta to replicate this community-based waste management system to other regions by providing training facilities on solid waste management.Keywords: Community-based on solid waste management, waste weight, processing and minimizing of solid waste


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrice Huenerfauth ◽  
Jasmin Nessler ◽  
Johannes Erath ◽  
Andrea Tipold

Sudden unexpected death in human epileptic patients (SUDEP) is defined as death related to recurrent unprovoked seizures, death occurring unexpectedly, and suddenly in a patient with reasonable state of health, without an obvious medical cause of death, trauma, asphyxia, or intractable status epilepticus, and in post mortem examination no obvious reason for death can be found. “Probable SUDEP” (pSUDEP) is defined as SUDEP not confirmed pathologically. The adapted abbreviation for dogs is used in the following: “pSUDED” (probable sudden unexpected death in dogs with epilepsy). The aim of the present monocentric retrospective study using an online questionnaire was to evaluate the occurrence of pSUDED. Data of canine patients presented with seizures between 01/1998 and 05/2018 were retrospectively analyzed and classified according to their etiology (n = 1,503). Owners were contacted by telephone to participate in answering a validated questionnaire. A total of 509 owners were reached, and 373 owners completed the questionnaire. In addition to signalement (e.g., breed), special attention was paid to the frequency and presentation of seizures and seizures in the context of death. Fifty-one percent (191/373) of the dogs were dead at the endpoint of the study. A large proportion of the dogs was euthanized (149/191) because of seizure severity or health problems unrelated to seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) was diagnosed in 19/34 dogs which died unexpectedly. Of these seven animals had to be excluded for further investigation of pSUDED because of status epilepticus or aspiration pneumonia as a result of the seizures. In 12 dogs with IE the last seizure event occurred between 6 h and ~3 months before death. pSUDED was suspected in these dogs and an occurrence rate of 4.5–10% was calculated. pSUDED appears in a similar occurrence rate as human SUDEP and should be considered as a possible complication in epileptic dogs. The results of this study suggest that dogs with IE but especially those with brachycephalic syndrome and cluster seizures have an increased risk to die of pSUDED. Owners of dogs with seizures should be educated about the risk of sudden death in dogs with epilepsy.


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