Reported Behaviors of Prescription-Drug Misuse and Medication Safety among Students Attending a Rhode Island University.

OBJECTIVE: College students are at high risk of illicit drug use, where nonmedical use of prescription medications ranks second behind marijuana. Assessment of college students' behaviors regarding prescription medication storage, disposal and sharing tendencies is needed to provide foundation for medication safety education on campuses.

METHOD: Students (n = 333) completed a prevalence survey assessing prescription medication use, storage and disposal activities upon obtaining prescription at the University pharmacy.

RESULTS: Unsafe student practices of rarely/never storing medications in locked place (77%), improper medication disposal (81%), witnessing (28%) and admitting (27%) medication sharing was reported. Female students were more likely to store medications unlocked (p < 0.001). Students living on-campus were more likely to witness sharing of medications (p = 0.043), and students living off-campus were more likely to have shared prescription medications (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS: Campus education is needed regarding safe medication storage, proper disposal of unused medications, and risks associated with sharing medications.