Implementing Green Pharmacy in the UAE: Knowledge,Perceptions, and Practice Gaps – A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Background: Medical waste is considered one of the most hazardous types of waste. Improper disposal of medical waste, whether by medical institutions or households, can lead to serious environmental pollution, such as soil and groundwater contamination, harm to aquatic wildlife, and the spread of infections. The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavior of the public and pharmacists toward expired or unused medicines and their knowledge of green pharmacy. Furthermore, the study aimed to explore the benefits, concerns, and barriers to adopting green pharmacy practices in the UAE to help preserve the environment and public health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted. Data was collected using two instruments: a questionnaire survey distributed to two populations—the public and pharmacists. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 344 members of the public and 57 pharmacists. Among the public, 79.7% reported disposing of expired medicines by throwing them in the trash. Notably, 23,788 expired medicines were collected, the majority of which were tablets and capsules. Responses regarding knowledge of green pharmacy and related attitudes were as follows (pharmacists vs. public): Unaware of green pharmacy: 40.4% vs. 52.5%, Recycling is a main issue: 75% vs. 79.7%, Support green pharmacy initiatives: 56.9% vs. 62.7%, Believe green pharmacy can be implemented in the UAE: 23.5% vs. 96.6%. These differences between pharmacists and the public were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing green pharmacy practices in the UAE is a vital component of medical waste management, aimed at reducing the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment and safeguarding public health.