International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2019, 8, 1, 52-59.
DOI: 10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.10
Published: January 2019
Type: Research Article
Authors: 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 University, 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 Arabia