Pengetahuan, Sikap, dan Perilaku Pembuangan Obat pada Mahasiswa di Kabupaten Jember

Abstract

Medicine is a substance or combination of materials that functions to meet a person's needs in terms of prevention, recovery, healing, and improving the health of its user. Efforts in disposing of medications improperly by the public have become one of the causes of environmental pollution that can endanger ecosystems and threaten human health. Improper medication disposal practices are still commonly found both in developed countries and those with low to middle incomes. With the increasing use of drugs worldwide today, as well as gaps in information and awareness regarding medication disposal issues, preventive measures need to be taken so that unused medications can be disposed of safely. Students' knowledge about the correct way to dispose of medications is an important aspect that is often overlooked. This knowledge is necessary to prevent unwanted side effects from improper medication use, as well as to ensure that disposed medications do not negatively impact health or the environment. The research was conducted to determine the overview of knowledge, attitudes, and drug disposal behavior among students in Jember Regency. This study is a quantitative analytical study with a cross-sectional design using questionnaires conducted both online and offline from November 2025 until completion. The sample size in this study was determined using the Slovin formula and amounted to 400 students in Jember Regency, coming from various universities. Sampling was done using non-random sampling. Sample selection was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results show that the majority are female (70.5%) with most aged 20-23 years (82.5%), from the 2023 cohort (38.5%), mostly from NonHealth Faculties (69.5%), originating from the University of Jember (48.9%), and living in boarding houses (52.5%). The level of student knowledge in Jember Regency regarding drug disposal falls into the good category (72.3%), student attitudes towards drug disposal fall into the good category (50.2%), and student behavior towards drug disposal falls into the good category (54.8%). Chi-square analysis shows a significant relationship (p<0.05) between knowledge level and attitude, knowledge level and behavior, and attitude and behavior. Further research is needed to determine differences in knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding drug disposal.