title: A needs assessment of unused and expired medication disposal practices: A study from the Medication Safety Research Network of Indiana.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Access and availability of unused and expired medication (UEM) due to improper disposal and storage is a serious issue, potentially leading to abuse and environmental concerns.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the extent of the UEM issue in Indiana (U.S. State), identify patient beliefs about UEM, and determine any association between those beliefs and various personal/demographic characteristics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A needs assessment was conducted among community pharmacy patients. A convenience sample of 200 patients from 15 community pharmacies that are part of a practice-based research network (PBRN) in Indiana completed a survey concerning UEM beliefs and behaviors from Feb-March, 2014. Approximately 40% of patients were aware of a UEM take-back location in their community, although only 15% had utilized a UEM take-back location. Seventy-seven percent of patients were willing to drive to a take-back location to return UEM. Particularly vulnerable populations lacking knowledge regarding UEM and access to proper disposal were identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While states have made efforts to increase accessibility for UEM return, there remains a need for more disposal locations for both non-controlled and controlled medication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University College of Pharmacy Indianapolis, IN, USA. Electronic address: makozak@purdue.edu.
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kozak
authors.affiliation: Indiana University Health Arnett, Outpatient Pharmacy, Lafayette, IN, USA.
authors.forename: Johnna R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Melton
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University College of Pharmacy Indianapolis, IN, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Gernant
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University College of Pharmacy Indianapolis, IN, USA.
authors.forename: Margie E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Snyder
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D018505:Waste Management
chemical_list: D055553:Prescription Drugs
keywords: Behavior; Community pharmacy; Poisoning