Assessment of Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Pharmacy Technicians in Community Pharmacies Regarding Pharmaceutical Waste Management
- VernacularTitle:Нийтийн үйлчилгээтэй эмийн сангийн жор баригч нарын эмийн хог хаягдлын менежментийн талаарх мэдлэг, чадвар, хандлагыг үнэлсэн дүн
- Author:
Bat-Erdene G
1
;
Khatanbold O
1
;
Myagmarsuren B
1
;
Davaadagva D
1
;
Munkhbat S
1
Author Information
1. Department of Clinical Pharmacy Management, School of Pharmacy, MNUMS
- Publication Type:Other Types
- Keywords:
Pharmaceutical waste;
Community pharmacy;
Pharmacy technician
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2025;88(4):193-199
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Among the total healthcare waste generated from health-related activities, 10–20% is considered haz
ardous, posing significant threats to both the environment and human health. Approximately 3% of healthcare waste is
pharmaceutical waste. In Ulaanbaatar city, an estimated 2.65 tons of healthcare waste is generated daily (0.78 tons of
medical waste and 1.87 tons of general waste). With the continuous increase in pharmaceutical consumption, the improper
disposal of pharmaceutical waste has emerged as a major environmental concern, adversely affecting nature, animals, and
the food chain. Contamination from pharmaceutical waste, such as the development of antibiotic resistance, is closely
linked to inadequate public awareness of waste management.
Aim:This study aimed to assess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of pharmacy technicians in community pharmacies
regarding pharmaceutical waste management.
Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacy technicians across Mongolia. As of
2023, there are 4,959 licensed pharmacy professionals in the country. Using a representative sampling method, data were
collected from 360 pharmacist and pharmacy technicians. Data were analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS version 26.
Results:A total of 360 pharmacists from both urban and rural areas participated in the study. The assessment was based
on a 5-point Likert scale, with scores of 1-2 considered negative and 3–5 considered positive. The average scores for
knowledge, skills, and attitudes were 3.3, 3.06, and 3.25 respectively. While individual scores were satisfactory, the re
sults of questions targeting social awareness were relatively low.
Conclusion:The knowledge, skills, and attitudes of pharmacy technicians regarding pharmaceutical waste management
were found to be satisfactory. However, to further improve knowledge levels, it is recommended to implement additional
training programs related to pharmaceutical waste management among pharmacy technicians.
- Full text:2025052214592607611193-199.pdf
