Knowledge and Practices Related to Unused Medications in Households in Serbia

Background: The objective of this study was to examine the knowledge and practices regarding expired medications and to identify their potential predictors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, between August and November of 2014 in Regional Community Primary Health Care centre in Serbia on 609 patients. The research instrument was the questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. Results: The lack of knowledge about the treatment of expired medications had 67.5% respondents, while 87.3% of the respondents had inappropriate practice. In the model of multivariate logistic regression with lack of knowledge as dependent variable, statistically significant predictors were: unemployment (OR=2.21; 95%CI: 1.35-3.59), lower economic status (OR=1.67; 95% CI: 1.01-2.58), unread instructions for use (OR=3.26; 95% CI: 1.51-7.02), unchecked medications’ expiration date (OR=3.30; 95% CI: 1.22-8.92). In the second model of multivariate logistic regression with inappropriate practice as dependant variable, statistically significant predictors were: the lower education level (OR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.09-2.80), unemployment (OR=2.66; 95% CI: 1.17-6.05), families with members incapable of taking care of their medicines independently (OR=0.27; 95% CI: 0.12-0.61) and lack of knowledge (OR=4.09; 95% CI: 2.31-7.23). Conclusion: Our study shows that there is a need for stronger control of the implementation of legally defined procedures for disposal of medications, as well as a proactive education of population about proper disposal of medications.