ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARD PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE DISPOSAL AMONG PHARMACISTS IN KIGALI COMMUNITY PHARMACIES

Abstract: Background: Pharmaceutical waste disposal is a growing environmental and public health concern, particularly in community pharmacy settings where inappropriate disposal can lead to contamination and adverse health outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceived barriers regarding pharmaceutical waste disposal among pharmacists in community pharmacies across Kigali, Rwanda. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Pharmacists were surveyed to evaluate their awareness of existing pharmaceutical waste regulations, personal attitudes toward proper disposal, and the challenges they face in implementation. Additional factors such as infrastructure, cultural beliefs, and knowledge of environmental risks were also examined. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods to identify significant trends and associations. Results: The study revealed that while 83.9% of pharmacists demonstrated moderate to high knowledge and 77.0% held positive attitudes toward pharmaceutical waste disposal, only 13.8% practiced at a high level, with 21.3% showing poor practices. Key barriers included insufficient disposal infrastructure, limited training, and lack of clear regulatory guidelines. Chi-square tests showed no statistically significant associations between practice levels and variables such as knowledge (χ²(2) = 0.407, p = 0.816), attitude (χ²(2) = 4.302, p = 0.116), age (χ²(3) = 1.240, p = 0.743), gender (χ²(1) = 0.003, p = 0.958), education (χ²(2) = 4.185, p = 0.123), experience (χ²(3) = 0.508, p = 0.917), pharmacy location (χ²(3) = 5.113, p = 0.164), or weekly working hours (χ²(2) = 4.141, p = 0.126). These results suggest that while some trends are apparent, knowledge and attitude alone are not sufficient predictors of proper practice. External or systemic factors, such as organizational support, operational resources, and regulatory enforcement, may be more critical in influencing behavior. Therefore, multifaceted interventions are needed to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice in pharmaceutical waste management. Conclusion: The findings highlight a disconnect between knowledge and practice, largely influenced by infrastructural and policy-related barriers. There is a critical need for enhanced waste disposal infrastructure, clear and enforceable guidelines, and continuous professional education to improve compliance. These results offer practical recommendations for policymakers, regulatory agencies, and pharmacy management to strengthen pharmaceutical waste management systems and protect both public health and the environment in Rwanda. Keywords: (MeSH): Pharmaceutical waste disposal, Community pharmacies, Pharmacists, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices. Title: ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARD PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE DISPOSAL AMONG PHARMACISTS IN KIGALI COMMUNITY PHARMACIES Author: Nadine UWASE, Amos HABIMANA International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 158-169 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 06-November-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17539897 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/assessment-of-knowledge-attitudes-and-practices-toward-pharmaceutical-waste-disposal-among-pharmacists-in-kigali-community-pharmacies