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An exploratory study on medications in Qatar homes.
N Kheir1, Ms El Hajj, K Wilbur
1College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety
|January 27, 2012
Summary
Improper drug storage and disposal in Qatar homes pose public health and environmental risks. Most people store medications insecurely and discard them improperly, highlighting a need for greater public awareness and pharmacist involvement.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Drug therapy is a primary intervention but improper use, storage, and disposal can cause harm.
- Inappropriate medication management impacts public safety, the environment, and healthcare services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize home medication storage and disposal practices in Qatar.
- To identify public information sources regarding medication use.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional exploratory study utilizing a systematic sampling method from Qatar's telephone directory.
- Data collected via interviews with consenting participants using a pretested survey instrument.
Main Results:
- 49 homes surveyed; most lacked dedicated medication storage.
- Common storage locations included bedrooms, fridges, and kitchens; analgesics, antihistamines, and respiratory medications were most frequent.
- Unwanted medicines were primarily disposed of in trash; 15% deviated from prescribed dosages, and prescription sharing occurred. Doctors were the main information source.
Conclusions:
- Home medication storage and disposal practices in Qatar raise significant public health and environmental concerns.
- Lack of routine return of unwanted medicines to pharmacies risks environmental contamination.
- Increased societal awareness regarding safe medication handling, storage, and the pharmacist's role is crucial.
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