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A cross-sectional survey of the Maltese general public on medication wastage.

West, Lorna Marie; Diack, Lesley; Cordina, Maria; Stewart, Derek

Authors

Lorna Marie West

Lesley Diack

Maria Cordina

Derek Stewart



Abstract

Background Medication wastage is a global issue, with key public health implications in terms of safety, the environment and the economy. A recently conducted systematic review of the published literature identified a lack of focus on the views of healthcare professionals and the general public. Objective To explore awareness, attitudes and behaviours relating to medication wastage amongst the general public in Malta. Setting Malta. Method Survey methodology employing a pre-piloted questionnaire was developed from theoretical frameworks of behaviour. Questionnaire items comprised open, closed and 5-point Likert scales. Medication adherence as a possible factor associated with wastage was measured using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Random sample of 1920 was obtained from the Maltese electoral register 2013. Ethical approval was obtained. Main outcome measures Awareness, attitudes and behaviours relating to medication wastage amongst the general public in Malta. Results Response rate was 20.4%. The majority (70.6%) agreed that they were fully aware of the issue of wastage and 71.9% disagreed that they had no interest in wastage. The following were significantly related to increased awareness of wastage: older age (p=0.003), pensioners (p=0.011), on regular medication (p=0.021) and obtaining free medication (p=0.026). Lack of interest in wastage was significantly related to obtaining free medication by government (p=0.022), with those purchasing medication being significantly more interested (p=0.028). While 75.1% of respondents on regular medication self-reported not being fully adherent, there were no associations with awareness (p=0.100) and interest in wastage (p=0.385). Unemployed were more likely to report contribution towards wastage (p=0.010) and the presence of a healthcare professional as family member was significantly related to confidence in ability to reduce wastage (p=0.009). 46.2% claimed to have unused medication at home and improvement in patient’s medical condition was the main reason for this. Conclusion More effort is warranted to raise awareness of the public as an initial step in promoting behavioural change in relation to medication wastage.

Citation

WEST, L.M., DIACK, L., CORDINA, M. and STEWART, D. 2016. A cross-sectional survey of the Maltese general public on medication wastage. International journal of clinical pharmacy [online], 38(2), pages 261-270. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-015-0233-x

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 1, 2015
Online Publication Date Jan 6, 2016
Publication Date Apr 30, 2016
Deposit Date Dec 16, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal International journal of clinical pharmacy
Print ISSN 2210-7703
Electronic ISSN 2210-7711
Publisher Springer
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 38
Issue 2
Pages 261-270
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-015-0233-X
Keywords Adherence; Awareness; Behaviour; Malta; Medication wastage; Survey
Public URL http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2032

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