Page 68 - ITPS-8-3

INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Knowledge, perception, and practices of ecopharmacovigilance

2.1.1 Ethical approval disposal methods, as well as information on EPV, was

The study protocol and final questionnaire were approved conducted, along with consultations with subject matter
57-59
by the Ethics Committee of Armed Forces Medical College, experts. The questionnaire was developed in English.
Dhaka. Informed consent was obtained from all willing 2.2.2. Questionnaire contents
students before they participated in the study. The study
adhered to the principles of the Helsinki Declaration on The final questionnaire consisted of several sections and 25
human subjects in medical research. structured questions. The first section included four questions
about the respondents’ socio-demographic information,
2.1.2. Study site such as age, gender, year of study, and whether they had any
first-degree relatives in the medical field. Furthermore, four
The study was conducted at Armed Forces Medical College, more questions were designed to assess the respondents’
Mugda Medical College and Hospital, and Shahabuddin understanding of EPV and environmental contamination
Medical College, Dhaka. from drugs, including safe drug disposal procedures, their
2.1.3. Study duration awareness of EPV, the impact of veterinary diclofenac
residues on several Asian Gyps (bird) populations, and the
The study was conducted over a period of 3 months, from effects of oral contraceptive pill residues on frog sterility and
August to October 2024. the feminization of male fish in aquatic environment.

2.1.4. Study population The second section of the study consisted of nine
All 3 -and 4 -year undergraduate medical students were questions designed to evaluate medical students’
rd
th
invited to participate in the study. Informed consent was perceptions of EPV. These questions were framed using
obtained from all interested students before the study a 5-pointLikert scale (1 = strongly agree, 2 = agree,
began. 3 = neutral, 4 = disagree, and 5 = strongly disagree). This
section aimed to assess the students’ opinions, attitudes,
2.1.5. Sample size and beliefs on responsible pharmaceutical management
and its ecological implications. Furthermore, the final
Approximately400 medical students were initially included section of the questionnaire consists of eight questions that
in the sampling frame, with 200 students from the 3 -year evaluate participant’s daily behavior and practices related
rd
and 200 from the 4 -year from each medical college. From to the management, disposal, and storage of medications.
th
this list, 300 medical students were randomly selected to These questions were developed based on a thorough
participate in the study, with 160 students from the 3 year literature review and discussions among the authors.
rd
and 140 from the 4 year. Respondents were provided with
th
hard copies of the questionnaire. The first page included an 2.2.3. Validity and reliability of questionnaire
explanatory letter describing the survey’s objectives. They The questionnaire’s content was reviewed and verified by
were instructed to complete the questionnaire and return two selected experts in the relevant field, both of whom
it to the researchers within 1 h. Respondents who refused were medical college academicians. Their comments
60
to participate in the study or failed to return the completed were carefully considered, and necessary revisions were
questionnaire within the given time frame were excluded. made accordingly. The questionnaire was then forwarded
2.1.6. Sampling method through private email to 30 volunteer faculty members for
their comments and answers. Based on their feedback, the
Enrolment was based on voluntary participation from questionnaire was further revised to improve clarity and
those willing to participate. ensure a better understanding of the questions.
2.2. Data collection 2.4. Data analysis
2.2.1. Development of the structured questionnaire Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics.

A structured, self-administered questionnaire was Continuous data were expressed as mean ± standard
developed to address the research question, focusing deviation, while nominal data were expressed as percentages.
on several aspects of medical personnel’s knowledge, Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical
perceptions, and practices regarding the storage of unused Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0 for Windows.
pharmaceuticals and the improper disposal of expired
and unused medications, which can ultimately affects the 3. Results
ecosystem. To finalize the content, a thorough literature The socio-demographic characteristics of the students are
review of published studies on medicine storage and shown in Table 1. The mean age of the participants was

Volume 8 Issue 3 (2025) 62 doi: 10.36922/itps.7678