Descarte de medicamentos consciente: as práticas farmacêuticas versus consumidores universitários de Campina Grande-PB.

Abstract

In the current scenario, as the consumption of medications intensifies globally, Brazil is emerging as a significant player in this domain, expected to rank among the top three pharmaceutical markets by 2026. Alongside this prominence, there is an urgency to address issues such as the responsible disposal of these products, due to their direct impact on public health and the environment. In this context, this paper aims to analyze the practices of pharmaceutical businesses and the perceptions of university students regarding the actions taken in the disposal of medications in Campina Grande-PB. Through a quantitative and descriptive approach, the study reveals discrepancies between pharmaceutical professionals' awareness of risks and effective disposal practices in pharmacies and drugstores. Among university students, there is a significant information gap, resulting in inappropriate disposal behaviors. The research also identifies a predisposition to adopting better practices, highlighting the importance of educational campaigns and collaboration between government and private sectors to improve collection infrastructure and awareness. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for more comprehensive research to solidify sustainable and responsible disposal practices.