scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal in Community Pharmacies of Karachi

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-59
Author(s):  
Amna Khan ◽  
◽  
Nazish Jaffar ◽  
Sadaf Razzak ◽  
Faizan Zeesahn ◽  
...  

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of community pharmacies about recommended methods of drug disposal and hazardous effects of improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste and to determine the attitude as well as practice of community pharmacies about the proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 139 community pharmacies in Karachi, Pakistan by using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Predesigned structured questionnaire was distributed to different community pharmacies in Karachi and filled questionnaires were collected after one day. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0 Results: About 65 (46.8%) of the participants reported to have a system for regularly removing the expired or unused drugs by returning them to contractors/distributors. More than half 86 (61.9%) of the participants disposed of solid, liquid, semi-solid, controlled, and p-listed drugs in the rubbish bin. Approximately half of the participants believed that standard method for disposal of solid, liquid, semi-solid, controlled, and p-listed drugs is by flushing them down the toilet/sink. Conclusion: Our study showed that knowledge and practices of community pharmacies regarding disposal of unused and expired medicines were not satisfactory. However, most of the participants were well aware of the harmful effects caused by improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste on environment and showed positive attitude towards learning safe methods of management and disposal of unused and expired drugs.

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1281
Author(s):  
Sultan M. Alshahrani ◽  
Khalid Orayj ◽  
Ali M. Alqahtani ◽  
Mubarak A. Algahtany

Pregabalin is a first-line therapy for neuropathic pain and for chronic pain. It has abuse potential. This study was conducted to assess community pharmacists’ perceptions towards pregabalin abuse and misuse in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, and identify predictors and associated factors. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire following a self-administrative study was conducted across community pharmacies in the Aseer region (Abha, Khamis Mushait, Mahayel, Sarat Abeeda, Ahad-Rufaida, and Bishah). A total of 206 respondents from community pharmacists participated in the study. Over the last six months, 136 respondents (66.0%) suspected pregabalin abuse in community pharmacies; male dominance in pregabalin abusers was also recorded (n = 165, 80.1%). Additionally, 40 (19.4%) respondents stated that a prescription was not issued for pregabalin demands. Over half (61.7%) of community pharmacists recorded an increased change in pregabalin abuse compared to the previous year. This is the first study to explore pharmacists’ perceptions in the community of the Aseer region towards customers’ misuse and abuse of pregabalin. Further monitoring and regulations on the prescribing and procurement of pregabalin are needed to avoid abuse.


Author(s):  
Nebyu Daniel Amaha ◽  
Dawit G. Weldemariam ◽  
Nuru Abdu ◽  
Eyasu H. Tesfamariam

Abstract Background Antibiotics require more prudent prescribing, dispensing and administration than other medicines because these medicines are at a greater risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Studying the current medicine use practices and factors affecting the prescribing of an antibiotic would help decision makers to draft policies that would enable a more rational use of medicines. Methods A prospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the current prescribing practices including antibiotics use in six community pharmacies in Asmara. A total of 600 encounters were reviewed using the WHO core prescribing indicators between May 5 and May 12, 2019 using stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed using IBM SPSS® (version 22). Results The average number of medicines per prescription was 1.76 and 83.14% of the medicines were prescribed using generic names while 98.39% of the medicines were from the National Essential Medicines List (NEML). The percentage of prescriptions containing antibiotics was 53%. The number of encounters containing injections was 7.8%. Patient age, gender and number of medicines prescribed were significantly associated with antibiotic prescribing at bivariate and multivariable models. Subjects under the age of 15 were approximately three times more likely to be prescribed antibiotic compared to subjects whose age is 65 and above (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.93, 95%CI: 1.71–5). Similarly, males were more likely to be prescribed antibiotic than females (AOR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.10–2.24). Subjects to whom three to four medicines prescribed were two times more likely to be prescribed an antibiotic compared to those who were to be prescribed one to two medicines per encounter (AOR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.35–3.5). A one-unit increase in the number of medicines increased the odds of antibiotic prescribing increased by 2.02 units (COR: 2.02; 95%CI: 1.62–2.52). Conclusions This study found that the percentage of antibiotics being prescribed at the community pharmacies in Asmara was 53% which deviated significantly from the WHO recommended values (20–26.8%). Furthermore, the percentage of encounters with an injection was 7.8% lower than the WHO value of 13.4–24.0%. Patients’ age, gender and number of medicines were significantly associated with antibiotic prescribing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-96
Author(s):  
Sadia Daaniyal ◽  
Zarah Afreen ◽  
Ammarah Afreen ◽  
Eruj Shuja ◽  
Gulmina Saeed Orakzai ◽  
...  

Objective: To assess some habits and practices related to denture wearing among subjects reporting to Watim Teaching Dental Hospital, Rawalpindi. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Watim Dental College, Rawalpindi, from December 2018 to August 2019. Using a pre-structured questionnaire, data were collected from 155 subjects having used complete dentures for a minimum of 6-months. The questionnaire consisted of information including the type of dentures, duration and frequency of denture wearing, and denture cleaning habits. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 155 participants, 80 (51.6%) were male and 75 (48.4%) were females. 89 (57.4%) patients use toothbrushes and soap for denture cleaning. 139 (89.7%) participants didn’t wear dentures while sleeping and soaked them in water. 98 (63.2%) respondents were not using antiseptic oral rinse and were casual in mouth-cleaning. Conclusion: From this study, it is concluded that 65 (41.9%) subjects were cleaning their dentures once a day. The study also reveals that 65 (41.9%) edentulous participants were not able to clean their oral cavity. Dentists should emphasize the importance of recall visits to evaluate the status of denture hygiene along with mucosal surface examination. Patient motivation to follow hygiene instructions and informing them about the harmful effects of overnight wearing of dentures should be part of delivering the prostheses to them.  


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (Number 1) ◽  
pp. 15-19
Author(s):  
Sultana Begum ◽  
Meheruba Afrin ◽  
Afsana Sharmin ◽  
Ayesha Ferdaus Jesun ◽  
Anysar Rahman Hemal

This descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted to reveal the morbidity pattern in the Medicine Outpatient Department of in Upazila Health Complex, Keranigonj, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from 1st December to 15th December 2019 with a sample size of 150 using interviewer administered semi -structured questionnaire employing purposive sampling technique. The study shows that about one third (32%) of the respondents belonged to the age group 16 to 30 years and only 3% were from age group 75 years and above, 55% of them were female, 95% were Muslim and 63% were married; 54.67% lived in semi paccha house and about 84% were literate. Regarding occupation, one third of the respondents were businessmen (33%) followed by services (26%); 76% of the respondents had monthly income more than 10,000 BDT. The study revealed that 97.33% of the respondents were suffering from illness due to diseases and among them 90% have investigation reports. It was found that loose motion (21%), fever (20%), abdominal pain (19.33%), cough (9%) and chest pain (7%) were the predominant complaints. Study showed gastroenteritis (20%), respiratory tract infections (16%), bronchial asthma (12%), and skin diseases (2%) were the illness diagnosed. Most (96.66%) of the respondents were satisfied with the service provided. The study findings highlights that most of the diseases are the preventable and chronic diseases and the service providers should prepare themselves understanding the needs and gaps to serve the community in appropriate manner.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-23
Author(s):  
Sheikh Salahuddin ◽  
Md Humayun Kabir Talukder

This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted to explore the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on academic performance of medical students. The study period was from July 2015 to June 2016. Total 627 final year MBBS students of 11 (6 government and 5 non-government) medical colleges were selected through convenient sampling technique. A self-administered semi structured questionnaire and an interview schedule were used. Study revealed that family income did not have any influence on the academic performance of medical students. Location of parental stay did not show any influence on students' academic performance. Respondents' previous medium of study had little influence on their academic performance. Students who were regular in passing formative assessment also had better performance in professional examinations. Students who failed in professional examinations mostly failed in oral portions (more than 80%). Father's educational qualification did not have any influence on the performance of students but mother's educational qualification had positive relation on it. Performance of those students who were willing to study MBBS were better than unwilling ones. Respondents who were satisfied with the money provided by the parents/guardians were more regular in passing professional examinations. Many of the findings of this study are aligned with findings of the study conducted by Ali S, Haider Z et al.1Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.8(2) 2017: 18-23


Pharmacy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Younes Ben Said ◽  
Nicola Luigi Bragazzi ◽  
Natalia Valeryevna Pyatigorskaya

This research aims to identify the most prevalent and impactful sales promotion tools used by pharmaceutical companies on consumers’ purchasing decisions at community pharmacies. A cross-sectional study design was carried out using the non-repeated random sampling technique. Standardized questionnaires were administered by means of face-to-face interviews or via emails. The relative importance of prevalence (RIP) and the mean evaluation of effectiveness (MEE) were determined for all studied marketing tools for the different groups of respondents (pharmaceutical sales representatives (PSRs), community pharmacists, consumers, and the entire sample). Inter-individual differences in RIP and MEE were assessed by computing the coefficient of variation, whereas inter-group differences were determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Scheffé test as a post-hoc test. Research findings showed that, according to all respondents, the consumer promotion technique had the strongest impact on consumers’ purchasing decisions while merchandising was the most common sales promotion technique at community pharmacies. PSRs and pharmacists identified trade promotion as the most effective and prevalent technique. Furthermore, research findings showed that, according to all respondents, the following sales promotion tools had the strongest impact on consumers’ purchasing decisions: arrangement and design of showcases among the studied tools for merchandising; buy 1 and get 2 among the studied tools for consumer promotion; and gifts among the trade promotion studied tools. The same tools were identified as the most prevalent by all respondents. Free samples of promoted products appeared to be the most prevalent tool, but at the same time was the least effective. In conclusion, the results of the present research enable an understanding of which sales promotion tools are commonly used at community pharmacies and which ones have the strongest impact on consumers’ purchasing decisions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
M. Jobair Khan ◽  
ASM Giasuddin ◽  
M. Ibrahim Khalil

Achilles tendon is the tendon connecting the heel with the calf muscles. Tendo-achilles injury (TAI) in players is common in games. The frequency of TAI is unknown and aetiology is controversial. The present descriptive cross-sectional study was done to determine the prevalence of TAI and associated factors contributing to it in football, cricket and badminton. From January to June 2012, male players (n=131), age 17-35 years, were selected by purposive sampling technique from renowned sporting clubs at Dhaka, Bangladesh. TAI was diagnosed through structured questionnaire and interviewing the respondents. The analysis by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme revealed that 11.5% players suffered from TAI, i.e. prevalence was 115 per 1000 respondents. Most injuries (70/131; 53.4%) occurred in the playground and (59/131; 45.3%) happened in practice field. Injuries among the players of third division were higher, i.e. about 36% (p=0.000). TAI was significantly dependent on occupation (p=0.046), BMI (p=0.008), divisional status (p=0.023), game type (p=0.043), ground condition (p=0.05) and injury severity (p=0.000). The injured players referred for treatment to the physiotherapist was highest (9/15, i.e. 60%) followed by the physicians (5/15, i.e. 33%) (p=0.000). The associations of TAI with various factors were discussed suggesting effective measures be taken and treatment, particularly physiotherapy, be given to injured players. However, there is a need of team work with sports medicine specialist also to enable the injured players to continue their professional games. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-109
Author(s):  
Radha Paudel ◽  
Sarita Shrestha

Introduction: Junk food consumption among adolescents has become a serious issue that may lead to harmful effects on health. Dietary patterns of people are shifting from homemade foods to junk foods. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the awareness and practice of junk foods among adolescents. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents of secondary level students. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample and the sample size was 237. Data collection was done from April 15, 2019 to May 14, 2019. A set of semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse and interpret the findings. Results: The findings showed that more than three-fifth (67.9%) of adolescents had a moderate level of awareness about junk foods. Half (49.4%) of them consumed junk foods highly. All (100%) adolescents have consumed junk foods regularly whereas two-fifth (42.2%) replaced meals once a week with junk foods. Four-fifth (82.3%) of adolescents did not bring tiffin from home. There was no significant association between the awareness and practice of junk foods (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study concludes that most of the adolescents possessed a moderate level of awareness of junk foods. Majority of them did not bring tiffin from their home. Around half of them consumed junk foods in their daily life. Majority of them were aware of junk foods, although they still consumed junk foods.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-79
Author(s):  
Sheeladitya Chakma ◽  
Md. Nuralam Hossain ◽  
Md. Kamrul Islam ◽  
Md. Mohitul Hossain ◽  
Md. Nazirul Islam Sarker

The study intends to assess water scarcity, seasonal variations, and social conflicts through a cross sectional study based on people's perceptions. A well-structured questionnaire coupled with an interview schedule was used for data collection from the 60 households living in the mountainous two villages at Waga union of Kaptai Upazila under Rangamati District, Bangladesh. The study employed a multi-stage random sampling technique. The analysis reveals that 90% of respondents in Sapchari Monpara village mostly rely on spring for water, while 83% of respondents in Debotachari village depend on tube-wells. The study also shows that 80% of the respondents have experienced water scarcity in domestic use, while 90% of respondents have reported short duration of the rainy season causes water scarcity. More than 80% of respondents believe that shifting cultivation in upland catchments causes water quality degradation in the study villages. Most of the respondents obtain water easily in a monsoon at Sapchari Monpara, while others get from tube-wells and traditional wells in all seasons. About (87%) of respondents mention that forest conservation around the water sources can increase water availability.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (Number 2) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
Sultana Begum ◽  
Monowar Ahmad Tarafdar ◽  
Md Saizuddin ◽  
Nadia Begum ◽  
Shila Rani Das ◽  
...  

The current descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted during 16th May to 31st May 2018 to assess awareness regarding personal hygiene and sanitation practices in Dhamrai, Dhaka with a sample size of 120 using interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire employing convenience sampling technique. More than one third (35.9%) of the respondents were in age group 25-35 years and about 65% were female, 32.5% were housewives and 35.8% were found illiterate. source of drinking water was from71.67% tube well and 78.3% used sanitary latrine. More than half of the respondents (61.67%) were taking daily bath with soap and water, 61.66% cut their nails at leisure time and 51.67% wash hair with shampoo and water; while 59.67% washed their hands before meal and 76.67% after defecation with soap and water. It is revealed that 43.3% were aware about the transmission of diarrheoa through dirty nail and 73.3% were aware not to defecate on barefoot. Health education and comprehensive knowledge of proper personal hygiene and sanitation is essential in daily life and should be used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.


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