E-ISSN 2231-3206 | ISSN 2320-4672
 

Original Research

Online Publishing Date:
02 / 05 / 2023

 


A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Nehal Ashok Shah, Shruti Brahmbhatt, Andrew Mark.


Abstract
Background: Due to easy availability and high prevalence of chronic diseases, an increased number of drugs are being prescribed per family. It is important to ensure patients are aware of appropriate storage requirements to prevent negative health and economic consequences.

Aim and Objectives: (1) To identify drug storage habits of patients (2) To evaluate the awareness of patients regarding appropriate storage conditions. (3) To identify potential harmful usage patterns of stored drugs in the household.

Materials and Methods: This is a survey-based study among 100 patients attending the medicine outpatient department (OPD). A pre-validated questionnaire was given to the participants and response was collected and analyzed.

Results: All participants reported storage of medications at home. An average of 3.42 ± 1.8 drugs were stored at home. Future use (50%) was the most common reason for storing medications. Analgesics (35%), cardiovascular medications (35%), and antibiotics were the most common drug groups to be stored. Bedroom cabinets and drawers were the most common storage location. Only 25% of participants were aware that drugs had specific storage requirements. Most participants (85%) could not read or understand the label present on drug formulations.

Conclusion: Awareness of appropriate home storage conditions for medications remains low. This presents an opportunity for health-care providers and workers to better communicate storage instructions. Understanding patient behavior in this regard may lead to better health outcomes.

Key words: Drug Storage; Home Storage; Polypharmacy


 
ARTICLE TOOLS
Abstract
PDF Fulltext
How to cite this articleHow to cite this article
Citation Tools
Related Records
 Articles by Nehal Ashok Shah
Articles by Shruti Brahmbhatt
Articles by Andrew Mark
on Google
on Google Scholar


How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Shah NA, Brahmbhatt S, Mark A. A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2023; 13(6): 1263-1266. doi:10.5455/njppp.2023.13.04207202325042023


Web Style

Shah NA, Brahmbhatt S, Mark A. A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. https://www.njppp.com/?mno=150162 [Access: March 14, 2024]. doi:10.5455/njppp.2023.13.04207202325042023


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Shah NA, Brahmbhatt S, Mark A. A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2023; 13(6): 1263-1266. doi:10.5455/njppp.2023.13.04207202325042023



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Shah NA, Brahmbhatt S, Mark A. A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. (2023), [cited March 14, 2024]; 13(6): 1263-1266. doi:10.5455/njppp.2023.13.04207202325042023



Harvard Style

Shah, N. A., Brahmbhatt, . S. & Mark, . A. (2023) A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol, 13 (6), 1263-1266. doi:10.5455/njppp.2023.13.04207202325042023



Turabian Style

Shah, Nehal Ashok, Shruti Brahmbhatt, and Andrew Mark. 2023. A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 13 (6), 1263-1266. doi:10.5455/njppp.2023.13.04207202325042023



Chicago Style

Shah, Nehal Ashok, Shruti Brahmbhatt, and Andrew Mark. "A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital." National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology 13 (2023), 1263-1266. doi:10.5455/njppp.2023.13.04207202325042023



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Shah, Nehal Ashok, Shruti Brahmbhatt, and Andrew Mark. "A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital." National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology 13.6 (2023), 1263-1266. Print. doi:10.5455/njppp.2023.13.04207202325042023



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Shah, N. A., Brahmbhatt, . S. & Mark, . A. (2023) A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 13 (6), 1263-1266. doi:10.5455/njppp.2023.13.04207202325042023