Proper practice of unused medicine: opinions of patients at Puskesmas 1 Umbulharjo Yogyakarta

Properly managing unused medications is crucial to mitigate potential adverse effects on public health and the environment. This investigation aims to ascertain patients' perceptions and explore potential correlations between demographic variables and attitudes toward disposing of unused medications. The present study employed an analytical observational design utilizing a cross-sectional approach. A sample size of 96 patients was obtained using the Lameshow formula. The study employed a purposive sampling technique. The study population comprised individuals who fulfilled the eligibility criteria and sought medical attention at the Umbulharjo 1 public health center in March-June 2022. The research instrument was a data collection sheet. Data analysis was completed using the chi-square test. According to the respondents' views on new medication disposal practices, most patients (46.9%) returned unused medications to healthcare professionals. Gender and disposal practices are significantly correlated, such as keeping unused medication at home (p=0.002) and providing it to the patient’s family (p=0.049). Additionally, there is a strong association (p = 0.000) between educational background and the practice of keeping unused medications at home. According to this study’s findings, up to 45 individuals (46.9%) returned unused medications to healthcare providers. There is a correlation between gender, socioeconomic factors, educational background, and attitudes toward discarding unneeded medications