Publicação
Home medicine storage assessment of domestic medication storage conditions in the municipalities of bragança melgaço and mondim de basto
| Resumo: | Background: Medicines are often stored at home for emergencies or the treatment of acute and chronic conditions. However, improper storage—such as exposure to heat or humidity, or easy accessibility—can reduce efficacy and pose safety risks. These practices are frequently linked to limited health literacy and lack of pharmaceutical guidance. This study aimed to evaluate household medication storage conditions in Bragança, Melgaço, and Mondim de Basto, examining the influence of sociodemographic variables and residents’ awareness of proper storage. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive-correlational study was carried out using a structured online questionnaire with four sections: sociodemographic data, education, storage habits, and self-perceived knowledge. The questionnaire, while not formally validated, was based on existing literature. A nonprobabilistic sample of 1126 residents aged ⩾18 years participated. Data were analysed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics and ANOVA to explore associations between storage practices and gender, age, and education. Results: Age, gender, and municipality did not significantly influence storage habits (p > 0.05), but education level was significant in Melgaço (p < 0.05). Participants stored medicines in diverse locations, such as kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Melgaço residents more often considered temperature and humidity. Examples of appropriate (e.g., keeping original packaging) and inappropriate (e.g., exposure to moisture) practices were reported. Conclusions: Educational level may influence medication storage practices. Tailored public health strategies and pharmaceutical counselling are essential to promote safe and rational medicine storage. Despite the absence of post-training evaluation, the findings highlight the need for awareness-raising interventions. |
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| Autores principais: | Rei, Ana |
| Outros Autores: | Ribeiro, Francisca; Pereira, Márcia; Ferreira, Marta Daniela; Pereira, Sara; Coelho, Joana; Nascimento, Luís |
| Assunto: | Home medicine storage Storage conditions |
| Ano: | 2025 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | documento de conferência |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Instituto Politécnico de Bragança |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Biblioteca Digital do IPB |
| Resumo: | Background: Medicines are often stored at home for emergencies or the treatment of acute and chronic conditions. However, improper storage—such as exposure to heat or humidity, or easy accessibility—can reduce efficacy and pose safety risks. These practices are frequently linked to limited health literacy and lack of pharmaceutical guidance. This study aimed to evaluate household medication storage conditions in Bragança, Melgaço, and Mondim de Basto, examining the influence of sociodemographic variables and residents’ awareness of proper storage. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive-correlational study was carried out using a structured online questionnaire with four sections: sociodemographic data, education, storage habits, and self-perceived knowledge. The questionnaire, while not formally validated, was based on existing literature. A nonprobabilistic sample of 1126 residents aged ⩾18 years participated. Data were analysed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics and ANOVA to explore associations between storage practices and gender, age, and education. Results: Age, gender, and municipality did not significantly influence storage habits (p > 0.05), but education level was significant in Melgaço (p < 0.05). Participants stored medicines in diverse locations, such as kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Melgaço residents more often considered temperature and humidity. Examples of appropriate (e.g., keeping original packaging) and inappropriate (e.g., exposure to moisture) practices were reported. Conclusions: Educational level may influence medication storage practices. Tailored public health strategies and pharmaceutical counselling are essential to promote safe and rational medicine storage. Despite the absence of post-training evaluation, the findings highlight the need for awareness-raising interventions. |
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