Diagnóstico do gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde gerados em domicílios por usuários da central de abastecimento farmacêutico, Crateús-CE

Abstract

An important factor to be considered in the generation of Solid Household Health Waste (RSDS) is the high daily consumption of medicines by the population. Expired and discarded drugs are considered waste that pose risks to human health and the environment, especially water and soil. The objective of this research was to diagnose the management of RSDS, taking as a case study the continuous users of the Pharmaceutical Supply Center (CAF) and the Central Pharmacy of the Gentil Barreiras Specialty Center (FCCEGB)in the municipality of Crateús-CE, both in rural and urban areas. Quali-quantitative, descriptive research was adopted as a methodology, consisting of a case study. Visits were made in loco, observation checklist and application of questionnaires with employees and patients seen at FCCEGB. Access to the Hórus Basic institutional system was essential to survey the waste generated, by deduction, obtaining typology and quantity. All data were systematized through comparative tables in Microsoft® Excel and graphs. During the on-site visits, it was found that the FCCEGB does not have a program to collect expired and/or unused medicines, nor a management plan for the RSDS. About 86% of the people interviewed have never received guidance on how to dispose of their medication and 83% are not aware of the correct disposal of unused or expired medication. According to the survey carried out, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most frequent disease and the one that generates the greatest amount of waste. It was evident that there are inadequacies in all stages of RSDS management, which could be remedied with the elaboration and execution of an RSDS management plan. Given the few academic-scientific contributions in Brazil on the subject, there is a need to expand discussions, starting with the conceptualization of RSDS, in order to be able to regulate it and avoid the damage caused by the improper disposal of contaminated waste and/or or hazardous from households.