Patient Survey on Disposal

Demographic Information

Which lung condition do you suffer from (select all that apply):

Asthma

COPD

Other lung condition

Not sure

Since how long have you had the lung condition?

<6 months

6–12 months

1–3 years

3–5 years

>5 years

What is your age? (Please mention the age of the patient in case a caregiver is filling this form)

6-12

13-17

18–30

31–50

51–65

>65

Which type of devices have you been prescribed? (select all that apply)

Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) without spacer

Metered Dose Inhaler with a spacer

Breath-actuated inhaler (Synchrobreathe)

Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

Nebulizer

Not sure

City:

How long have you been using inhalers?

<6 months

6–12 months

1–3 years

>3 years

Informed Consent:

By proceeding with the survey, you confirm that you have read and understood the purpose of this study and voluntarily agree to participate. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time without any consequences. No personal identifiers will be disclosed, and all data will be analyzed in aggregate for research and publication purposes only.

I hearby give concent of the following.

Please choose the option that best describes you. Choose only one option, unless otherwise mentioned. Your answers are confidential.

Survey questionnaire

1. Are you aware that inhalers can harm the environment if not disposed of properly?

Yes

Not sure

2. Which of the following statements do you think is correct about inhalers, if not disposed correctly?

Inhalers are biodegradable and decompose within a few years

Inhalers may release harmful chemicals and take many years to decompose in landfills

Inhalers have no significant environmental impact

I am not sure

3. Has anyone explained how to dispose of used inhalers?

Yes, in detail

Yes, briefly

I don't remember

4. Who provided disposal guidance? (select all that apply)

Doctor

Pharmacist

Nurse

Health educator

Manufacturer materials (leaflet/video)

No one

Got information online

Other (specify)

5. How do you usually dispose of used inhalers?

Throw in regular household waste

Return to pharmacy/clinic for safe disposal

Recycle with plastic waste

Keep them at home (not disposed)

Burn them in the backyard

Flush them down the toilet

Other (please specify)

6. How often do you think about the environment when disposing of inhalers?

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

7. What makes proper inhaler disposal difficult for you? (select all that apply)

I don't know the correct method

No nearby place to return

Not enough time/convenience

No one told me it was important

Cost/effort of travel to return sites

I forget

Other (specify)

8. What would make it easier to dispose of inhalers properly? (select all that apply)

Clear instructions from my healthcare provider

Pharmacy/clinic return bins

Reminder messages (SMS/app)

Manufacturer takeback programs

Community awareness campaigns

Including disposal instructions on prescription/discharge papers

Incentives for returning inhalers

Other (please specify)

9. If clear instructions or a simple return program were available, how likely are you to dispose of inhalers correctly?

Very likely

Probably likely

Not sure

Probably unlikely

Very unlikely

10. Would you like to receive information on safe inhaler disposal?

Yes

11. How would you prefer to receive disposal instructions?

Doctor/pharmacist during visit

Printed leaflet

SMS/app notification

Video tutorial

Other (specify)

SUSTAIN-INDIA Survey

A Survey to Understand Patients' Knowledge and Practices Related to Disposal of Used Inhalers in India

Demographic Information

Informed Consent:

Survey questionnaire