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Exploring medication disposal practices and public awareness in Al Ain: A Cross-sectional study

Noon Abubakr Abdelrahman Kamil1★, Shahbaa Salem Saeed Sulaiman Alshebli2, Hind Abdulla Khamis Mohammed Al Haddadi2, Abdiraheem Yusuf Ali1, Monika Sachdeva1, Memona Abuzar1, Sara Alnuaimi1, Yassin Al Hariri1★ Corresponding author

  1. 1Fatima College for Health Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Al Ain Campus, UAE.
  2. 2Ain Al Khaleej Hospital, Al Ain, UAE.

CORRESPONDENCE

Noon Abubakr Abdelrahman Kamil

PhD, Fatima College for Health Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Al Ain Campus, UAE.

noon.kamil@actvet.gov.ae

Received: 14-04-2026; Accepted: 03-06-2026.

Volume 24, Issue 3 · pp. 3640 · PUBLISHED Jul-Sep 2026 · DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3640

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ABSTRACT

Background: Medicines are vital for treating different diseases and supporting overall health. However, once they are no longer needed, they should be disposed of properly as improper disposal of unused or expired medications can pose serious risks to both the environment and public health. Aims: To evaluate medication disposal practices among adult residents of Al Ain, UAE, and to explore the pharmacist’s role in medication disposal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographics, disposal practices, awareness of disposal programs, and the role of pharmacists. A total of 362 residents aged 18 and above participated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 30.0, with chi-square tests applied to examine associations between demographic variables and disposal behavior. Results: Although 92.5% of participants reported checking medication expiry dates, only 63.6% took precautions when disposing of medications. Notably, 38.1% disposed of medications in regular trash. Awareness of official disposal programs was low (78.2% unaware), but 93.4% expressed willingness to use a medication disposal box. A significant association was found between age and safe disposal practices (p < 0.05). Most respondents (85.1%) trusted pharmacists for guidance, yet 62.4% had never received such advice. Conclusion: While general awareness of medication safety is promising, unsafe disposal practices persist. Enhancing public education, empowering pharmacists, and expanding access to disposal infrastructure are critical for improving safe medication disposal in the community.

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    Kamil, N. A. A., Alshebli, S. S. S. S., Haddadi, H. A. K. M. A., Ali, A. Y., Sachdeva, M., Abuzar, M., Alnuaimi, S., & Hariri, Y. A. (2026). Exploring medication disposal practices and public awareness in Al Ain: A Cross-sectional study. Pharmacy Practice, 24(3), 3640. https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3640