Percepção dos trabalhadores da atenção básica de um município do norte do Espírito Santo sobre o descarte de medicamentos

Perception of primary care workers in a municipality in the north of Espírito Santo on disposal of medicines

Abstract

ABSTRACT

In view of the reality of growing drug consumption and also adopting the perspective that the inadequate disposal of drug residues, both in health services and in households, constitutes a public health problem that can pose serious risks to the environment, it is extremely important to analyze the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to this topic with health professionals, in order to identify possible deficiencies and improve actions in the management of this type of waste. The general objective of this study is to know the information provided to the community in order to contribute to the awareness and education of health professionals. This is a quantitative and qualitative descriptive study with a cross-sectional design with the application of a semi-structured questionnaire to analyze the perception of primary health care workers about medication disposal. The research scenario was the Municipal Public Pharmacy and Basic Health Units (UBS) in a city in the north of Espírito Santo. 71 workers were interviewed, of which 80.28% (N=57) were female, 15.49% (N=11) male and 2.82% (N=2) did not inform. Regarding the correct place to discard the medications, 50.70% (N=36) said they knew, 45.07% (N=32) said they did not know the correct place for disposal and 4.23% (N=3) people did not reported. The continuous need for education and learning for primary health care professionals is perceived, as primary care is the gateway and the articulating center for users' access to the Unified Health System (SUS), an adequate guidance for the Disposal of medicines covers the collective, being a matter of promoting and protecting health and the environment.

Keywords: Disposal. Medicines. Environment. Health professionals. Waste management.