ASSESSMENT ON THE CORRECT DISPOSAL OF MEDICINES AMONG USERS OF THE BASIC PHARMACY OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF IBEMA - PR

Abstract

The toxicological characteristics of drugs determine a potential risk to health and the environment. The disposal of waste carried out by the final consumer is the biggest gap in the legislation, being carried out in inappropriate places. The main objective is to evaluate the knowledge of the population, which access the Basic Pharmacy in the city of Ibema-PR, about the disposal of medicines and carry out environmental educational activities. Pharmacy users answered a knowledge assessment form on drug waste disposal, applied in two stages, the first before health education. Educational material was prepared containing information on the subject and places were implemented to collect these residues; the second stage took place after 60 days of continuing education. Before the guidance actions on waste disposal, most users discarded their drug waste in the common trash. In the second stage of the research, after the guidelines, there was a significant difference, according to the chi-square test, when the knowledge about waste disposal was evaluated. The same occurred with patients who had expired medicines and stock of these residues in their homes, raising an aspect that must be considered: self-medication. In homes with children, this stock can represent an imminent risk of intoxication. Health education proved to be effective, as there was a significant difference in the correct disposal of these wastes, before and after the guidelines given. Although Basic Pharmacy users have knowledge about the disposal of chemical waste, some still dispose of these products incorrectly.