Medication Storage at Home among People in Al-Qassim Region, 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.