Effect of Structured Teaching on the Safe Disposal of Unused Medications Among Non-Medical Staff at a Selected University in the Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Background: Improper disposal of unused and expired medications poses environmental and public health risks. Non‑medical service providers may be insufficiently informed about safe disposal practices. Purpose: To evaluate whether a structured teaching program improves knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the safe disposal of unused medicines among non‑medical staff at a UAE university. Methods: A pre‑experimental one‑group pre‑test/post‑test design was employed with 37 participants. A validated questionnaire assessed knowledge, practices, and attitudes. Data were analyzed in SPSS v27 using paired t‑tests and chi‑square tests (p < .05). Results: Knowledge increased from a pre‑test mean of 5.32 (SD = 2.62) to 8.94 (SD = 3.05), t(36) = –7.597, p < .001. Attitude totals improved from 38.51 (SD = 8.16) to 41.54 (SD = 4.58), t(36) = –2.23, p = .032. Despite higher awareness, some participants continued to dispose medicines in household garbage, although returns to pharmacies increased. A significant association between knowledge and attitude categories was observed (χ² = 38.91, df = 2, p < .001); exploratory post‑test correlation was weak and non‑significant. Conclusion: The structured teaching program improved knowledge and overall attitudes. Sustainable behavior change will likely require convenient disposal options and periodic refreshers.