ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING THE PROPER STORAGE OF MEDICINES AND DISPOSAL OF EXPIRED MEDICATIONS AMONG COMMUNITY PHARMACIES

Proper drug storage is essential for maintaining the safety, efficacy, and quality of medications in community pharmacies. Drugs are sensitive to environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and light, which can lead to degradation. Additionally, the disposal of expired medications is critical for public health and environmental safety, yet community pharmacists often face challenges due to unclear guidelines and limited resources. There is a lack of understanding regarding pharmacists' knowledge and practices related to expired drug disposal, underscoring the need for improved training and access to disposal facilities. This study aims to assess community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding proper medicine storage and the disposal of expired medications, as well as to determine the prevalence of proper drug storage practices among them. A prospective questionnaire-based study was conducted among 399 community pharmacists in and around Bengaluru, Karnataka, who met the inclusion criteria. Consent was obtained from all participants, and a KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice) questionnaire was distributed. Information leaflets on proper drug storage and safe disposal of expired medicines were provided. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. The study found significant gaps in knowledge and practices among community pharmacists, impacting patient safety and quality of care. Only 42.4% (n = 169) had average knowledge. Regarding attitudes, 47.9% (n = 191) had average attitudes and for practice, only 35.6% (n = 142) demonstrated average practices. Additionally, 48.4% (n = 193) reported storing medications appropriately, compared to 51.6% (n = 206) who did not.The study shows that many pharmacies do not follow GPP guidelines. To improve awareness of safe disposal techniques and proper medication storage, appropriate health education programs should be implemented. By organizing educational initiatives and providing training, we can enhance safe drug disposal practices, promote proper storage, and ultimately improve patient safety, medication efficacy, and pharmacists' compliance with regulations.