Modeling Predictors of Medication Waste Reduction Intention in Algeria: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

COVID-19 caused an increase in the demand for medications, which led to an increase in pharmaceutical waste and there is no doubt that this contributes to environmental pollution. Hence, it became necessary to search for how to protect and improve the environment by encouraging the behavior of medication waste reduction. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the factors affecting intentions to reduce medication waste. Considering this, we develop an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework by incorporating the constructs of moral obligation, environmental awareness, and medication waste risk perception. Using the convenience sampling method and based on a self-administered questionnaire, a total of 225 usable responses were collected in five Algerian cities. The results showed that positive attitudes (β = 0.316, p < 0.001), moral obligation (β = 0.291, p < 0.001), environmental awareness (β = 0.227, p < 0.001), perceived behavior control (PBC) (β = 0.151, p = 0.001), greater perceived risks (β = 0.127, p < 0.001), and subjective norm (β = 0.096, p < 0.05) significantly and positively influence the medication waste minimization intention. Furthermore, our analyses revealed that the extended TPB model explained 73.40% of the intention variance. In conclusion, we have explored the intentions, and there may be a gap between intent and actual behavior. Therefore, we recommend future studies to examine the factors affecting the actual behavior of medication waste reduction and to investigate environmental ethics and religious commitment as predictors of waste reduction intentions.

Intentions to Create Green Start-Ups for Collection of Unwanted Drugs: An Empirical Study

“…Drug waste can be defined as "drugs that can no longer be used because of being expired, unused, spilled, withdrawn, recalled, damaged, contaminated, or for any other reason" [1] (p. 2). This waste is often generated as a result of prescribing excessive drugs and/or not consuming all of the prescribed quantity, as some people resort to storing them correctly (or incorrectly) in their homes indefinitely [2][3][4][5]. Furthermore, many households do not know (are unaware) how to properly deal with unwanted drugs.…”

“…Furthermore, many households do not know (are unaware) how to properly deal with unwanted drugs. In fact, when households decide to get rid of unwanted drugs, they throw them in the toilet, sink, drain, or household garbage [5][6][7]. For this reason, Kaewchutima et al [8] argued that proper waste disposal practice-related knowledge should be intensively promoted.…”

“…For this reason, several countries in recent years "have been concerned about how to dispose of unused pharmaceuticals that can endanger human health and the environment" [12] (p. 1). Hence, many countries, including developing countries, have practically begun to encourage behaviors to reduce drug waste [5]. However, most African countries, including Algeria, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, still lack effective programs for the disposal of unwanted drugs [3,5,7,13].…”

“…Hence, many countries, including developing countries, have practically begun to encourage behaviors to reduce drug waste [5]. However, most African countries, including Algeria, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, still lack effective programs for the disposal of unwanted drugs [3,5,7,13]. In contrast, some countries have also established unwanted drug take-back and disposal programs [2].…”

Rasch Analysis of Household Waste Reduction Behavior: Case Study in Sunten Jaya, Bandung Barat Regency

“…Masdek (2023) suggests that addressing the lack of participation requires a holistic approach, including educational materials, social media coverage, awareness campaigns, and incentivizing composting. Mouloudj (2023) provides a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing intentions to reduce waste. Practical implications for organizations, suggesting that investing in green policies and practices can foster sustainable norms and contribute to environmental sustainability (Costa, 2022).…”