KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES REGARDING ECOPHARMACOLOGY AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN MANDYA

Background: Pharmaceuticals released into the environment pose ecological and public health concerns. Ecopharmacology, which addresses the adverse effects of pharmaceuticals on the environment, remains underexplored among healthcare students. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding ecopharmacology and safe drug disposal among nursing students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 nursing students in Mandya city. The responses were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire that comprised demographics, knowledge (7 items), attitude (8 items), and practice (7 items). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 172 nursing students who participated in the study, awareness of ecopharmacology and existing guidelines for drug disposal was limited. Although attitudes towards environmental protection were largely positive, unsafe disposal practices were commonly reported. Conclusion: The present study showed that nursing students had a positive attitude towards ecopharmacology, but demonstrated limited knowledge and engaged in unsafe drug disposal practices. Enhancing awareness programmes and establishing accessible drug disposal facilities are essential to promote safe drug disposal practices.