Behavioral Intervention and Disposal of Leftover Opioids: A Randomized Trial
Summary/Excerpts
Providing a disposal method nudged parents to dispose of their children’s leftover opioids promptly after use, whereas STOMP boosted prompt disposal and reduced planned retention. Such strategies can reduce the presence of risky leftover medications in the home and decrease the risks posed to children and adolescents.
Key Statistics
93% of surveyed parents had leftover medications after use.
Prompt disposal behavior was higher for parents who received ... interventions (38.5%).
Intervention independently decreased planned retention [of unneeded medication] rates.
Higher risk perception lowered the odds of planned [unneeded medication] retention.
Citation
Voepel-Lewis T, Farley FA, Grant J, Tait AR, Boyd CJ, McCabe SE, Weber M, Harbagh CM, Zikmund-Fisher BJ. Behavioral Intervention and Disposal of Leftover Opioids: A Randomized Trial. Pediatrics. 2020 Jan;145(1):e20191431. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-1431. PMID: 31871245; PMCID: PMC6939843.