Assessing public awareness and practices in medicine disposal: a cross-sectional study on the utilisation of the 'return your medicines' program in Terengganu, Malaysia / Nur Adlina Saharuddin, Nur Sabiha Md Hussin and Zakiah Mohd Noordin

Improper disposal of unused and expired medicines poses a significant risk to public health and the environment. While medication return programs have been established in various countries to mitigate this issue, data on their utilisation remain limited. The study aims to identify the disposal practices of unused and expired medicines; evaluate the public's awareness and utilisation of the "Return Your Medicines" (RYM) program; and investigate factors related to disposal practices, awareness, and RYM usage. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Terengganu, Malaysia, involving 290 adults recruited through convenience sampling. Data were analysed using SPSS, employing both descriptive and inferential analyses, including the chi-square test. The findings show that nearly 90% of participants improperly dispose of unused and expired medicines by discarding them in household trash and giving them to friends and relatives. Out of 290 participants, only 33.4% were aware of the RYM program, and only 23.7% had used it. There is a notable prevalence of improper medicine disposal practices, as well as a limited level of public awareness about the RYM program. These findings highlight the crucial role of healthcare practitioners, especially pharmacists, in continuously educating the public on safe disposal practices. Furthermore, the development and implementation of innovative strategies are imperative to increase public engagement with the RYM program and promote safer disposal methods.