Abstract
ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE Assess the extent of inadequate home storage of medicines andidentify important risk factors.METHODS A cross-sectional survey based on a probability sample in the community, conducted in 267 households in Cuité, State of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil, in 2014. Logistic regression was used to study the risk factors.RESULTS The prevalence of households with inadequate storage was 76.0%. Problems with storage include direct exposure to sunlight in 10.9% of households, the presence of dust in 23.6%, and storage within reach of children in 76.0%. Medications no longer used are usually disposed of into the environment in 92.1% of households. Inadequate storage is more likely when home organization of medications is the responsibility of a male subject (OR = 1.729) or an older person (OR = 1.029), when out of date medicines are found (OR = 2.963), and in households with no children (OR = 2.088).CONCLUSIONS Physicians and pharmacists should advise patients on how to adequately store medicines at home, especially when the person in charge of medications is a male or an older adult, and if there are no children in the household.
Highlights
Home storage of medications is a common practice around the world and includes both prescription medicines and over-the-counter (OTC) medications indicated for acute and chronic conditions[1,2]
Medicine consumption patterns have changed, resulting in larger purchasing volumes and, excessive amounts stored at home[1]
It is important to conduct research within the community to understand the prevailing practices of home storage and disposal of medicinal products. This knowledge is important to health professionals, as it may provide guidance for their advice to patients regarding adequate home storage and proper disposal of medications, decreasing the untoward accumulation of medications in the household and its consequent non-rational use
Summary
Home storage of medications is a common practice around the world and includes both prescription medicines and over-the-counter (OTC) medications indicated for acute and chronic conditions[1,2]. A large quantity of medicines in the household has been implicated in an increased risk of inappropriate self-medication, especially through the administrations of leftover medicines, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, opioids, and antimicrobials[1]. It is important to conduct research within the community to understand the prevailing practices of home storage and disposal of medicinal products This knowledge is important to health professionals, as it may provide guidance for their advice to patients regarding adequate home storage and proper disposal of medications, decreasing the untoward accumulation of medications in the household and its consequent non-rational use. In addition to the risks related to the accumulation of medications already mentioned, the inadequate storage of medications can cause changes in their pharmacological characteristics[6,8,9] and lead to accidental poisoning[10,11]
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