Abstract
International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences,2019,8,1,52-59.DOI:10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.10Published:January 2019Type:Research ArticleAuthors:Afaf Badr Alenazi, Mansour Saleh Alsharidah, Amal Hassan Al-Najjar, Suliman Abdulaziz Alghazy, Abdul-Aziz Abdullah Alqadi, and Amir Marzouk Author(s) affiliations:Afaf Badr Alenazi1, Mansour Saleh Alsharidah2, Amal Hassan Al-Najjar3*, Suliman Abdulaziz Alghazy4, Abdul-Aziz Abdullah Alqadi5, Amir Marzouk6 1College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. 2Assistant Professor, Dean College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. 3Drug Information Supervisor, SFHP-Riyadh, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. 4College of Pharmacy, Qassim University3, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. 5Acute Clinical Care Supervisor, SFHP-Riyadh, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. 6The Research Center College of Medicine, King Saud University KSA, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. Abstract:Objective: Storing medications at home is a global practice. By storing medications in an appropriate and safe environment, we can prevent accidental poisoning. Information is scarce regarding the storage of different types of medications at homes in Al-Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the types of medications stored at homes among people residing in Al-Qassim region. Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional survey conducted through the random distribution of a pre-validated structured questionnaire among the public and private sector employees and people from all walks of life above the age of 18 years in Al-Qassim region. The survey was designed electronically through Survey Monkey system and was distributed through social media. Results: A total of 708 subjects responded to the survey. Most of the responders were females (485 (68.10%)). About half of the responders were in the age group of 18–29 years (393 (58.31%)) with a significantly dominant female population as compared to males (p<0.05). The most frequently stored medications were related to headache (462 (65.25%)) and pain (445 (62.85%)). Most of the responders stored their medications in the refrigerator (467 (65.96%)) or in their bedroom (324 (45.76%)). A total of 633 medications were found to be stored at homes during this survey. The top 20 most frequently stored medications were paracetamol (266 (42.02%)) and ibuprofen (42 (6.64%)). Conclusion: The results of this study show an alarming situation about the methods of storing medication and types of medicines stored among the residents of Al-Qassim region. More and more campaigns and awareness programs should be conducted through different types of social media to educate the people regarding the appropriate methods of storing medications at home. Such awareness programs should stress more regarding safe methods of storage and spread awareness regarding how to identify the appropriate method of disposal to prevent harmful impact on the environment. Keywords:Al-Qassim, Home, Medication Storage, Pattern, Saudi ArabiaView:PDF (395.75 KB) PDFClick here to download the PDF file. Images Top 20 most frequently stored medications.
Highlights
The rational use of medicine justifies the appropriateness in its use according to World Health Organization (WHO) (2012).[1]
About half of the responders were in the age group of 18–29 years (393 (58.31%)) with a significantly dominant female population over male (p
(445 (62.85%)) stored at home; female responders stored 2–5 medications more (p
Summary
The rational use of medicine justifies the appropriateness in its use according to WHO (2012).[1] It entails giving patients the right medication for an ailment or need in addition to carrying it in the right proportion and within the timeframe and at the lowest possible cost without compromising on efficacy.[2] In general, medicines could either be used rationally or irrationally. Irrational use of medication is very dangerous to the patient. Even though the wrong use of medication is a global issue, we can see it more among the developing nations due to less effective monitoring or due to the complete absence of tracking of medicines that are being used irrationally. There is an urgent need to involve people in understanding the rational use of medicine and to work together in phasing out the wrong use of medication.[3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
