Improving knowledge on safe medicine disposal through e-flyer-based DAGUSIBU education

Study Program of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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Abstract

Improper disposal of unused and expired medications is a significant public health and environmental issue globally. In both high- and middle-income countries, including Australia and Indonesia, public awareness of safe pharmaceutical disposal remains low, increasing risks such as accidental ingestion, environmental pollution, and antimicrobial resistance. This community program aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an e-flyer-based educational intervention, guided by the culturally relevant DAGUSIBU (Dapatkan, Gunakan, Simpan, Buang) framework, in improving knowledge about safe medicine disposal. A one-group pre-post design targeted 60 adult members of the Indonesian diaspora in Australia. Participants received a digital e-flyer covering medicine lifecycle, expiry recognition, return facility awareness, and environmental risks, and completed a structured questionnaire before and after the one-week intervention. Results showed a significant improvement in knowledge, with mean scores rising from 6.18 to 9.07 out of 10 (p < 0.001) and a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.52). Gains were especially notable in proper disposal methods and environmental awareness. These findings indicate that culturally adapted, low-cost digital tools like e-flyers can effectively increase health literacy and promote safe medicine practices. The study supports integrating such interventions into community and public health strategies, particularly in under-resourced or diaspora settings.