Computational analysis of knowledge, risk perception, and disposal practice of unused and expired medication among Generation Z in three sub-Saharan African countries

Knowledge, risk perception, and disposal practices (KPP) of Used and Expired Medicines (UEMs) among Generation Z (young persons) remain an under-researched field. This study aimed to investigate these to provide interventions backed up by solid evidence. A cross-sectional study was conducted with young persons across three sub-Saharan African countries: Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, receiving a structured questionnaire distributed on Google Forms. Computational statistics was carried out to explore sociodemographic characteristics and their association with KPP using SPSS version 24.0, while p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. 575 young persons (Mean age = 22 ± 2.93 years) completed the survey. KPP scores were 75.7%, 59.3% and 28.7% respectively. Knowledge was highest in Nigeria (76.3%), followed by Ethiopia (75.0%), and Tanzania (68.8%). Risk perception was fair (46.9% − 60.1%), while disposal practice was poor in all countries (25%-35.7%), but poorest in Tanzania (25%). Knowledge was associated with risk perception and disposal practice (p = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively), but risk perception was not associated with disposal practice (p = 0.329). Residency was a predictor of risk perception; participants in tertiary institutions were four times [Odds Ratio (OR = 4.1; 95% CI, 2.1–7.9)] more knowledgeable than their secondary school counterparts. Having demonstrated high knowledge of what UEMs are, there still exists a disposal practice and risk perception gap in Generation Z. Addressing the predictors is crucial to effectively preventing the future health threat of pharmaceutical waste in these countries.