Perceptions of disposal options for prescription opioids among community members in North Carolina

Abstract

The nonmedical use of prescription drugs and opioids, the use of any drug not used for its intended purpose or only used for the feeling it creates rather than solving a medical problem, is an increasing global crisis resulting in a rise in overdose deaths and emergency room visits. In an attempt to combat the opioid crisis, medications should be stored and disposed of correctly and immediately after treatment is complete. According to the CDC, about 200,000 children ages 17 and younger visit the emergency room every year due to adverse drug events. The overall purpose of this study is to evaluate and understand the perceptions of disposal options among community members in North Carolina as well as the education received on proper sharing, storage, and disposal of prescription medications. The FDA-recommended disposal options include flushing pills down the toilet, mixing pills with an undesirable substance, using an at-home drug deactivation kit, or taking medications to a disposal box at a pharmacy or police station. A qualitative data collection method was used through 12 focus groups consisting of participants that received an opioid medication in the last 12 months to gain information about available storage and disposal options. The focus groups were conducted via Webex by two research members. NVivo was used to analyze the focus group data and compile common themes among the focus group participants about disposal perceptions. Themes found include (1) preference of low-cost disposal options, (2) unclear meaning of specific disposal language, (3) ease and accessibility among disposal methods, (4) lack of sufficient education on proper disposal, (5) past disposal behaviors, (6) preferred disposal methods, (7) failed disposal attempts, (8) environmental concerns, and (9) concern about law enforcement. Participants in the focus groups expressed common concerns about the lack of education about proper storage and disposal options. The study also found it important for disposal options to be convenient and low-cost to promote proper disposal behavior. This study will inform future education efforts by identifying perceptions of disposal options among community members in North Carolina. Further, the study may also provide guidance on which disposal options should be provided or discontinued.