Abstract
Title: Storage and Utilization of leftover medicines meant for pediatric population: House to House survey

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the storage and utilization of left-over medicines meant for pediatric population with special attention to availability of left-over medicines in rural and urban setup and to assess the extent of knowledge and practice on utilization of leftover medicines by family members.
Methods: A cross-sectional study has conducted in pediatric population of Anand district, Gujarat. The houses having children upto12 years were included in the study. Total 200 houses were included, 100 each from urban and rural area. One responsible person who was taking care of children presented at house interviewed as per questionnaire. Demographic and medicine related details were asked, and observation was recorded in case record form.
Results: Availability of leftover medicines at households was 70.03%. This result was comparable between urban and rural area (p = 0.49). All leftover medicines were in the oral dosage forms, out of them 74.43% syrups were found as leftover medicines. Drugs acting on respiratory system and NSAIDs group of drugs found highest in number among leftover medicines. Majority (99.16%) of participants had knowledge of utilization of medicines meant for their children. Practices of storage of medicines at home was comparable between urban and rural area (p = 0.26). Disposal practices of medicines were different in urban and rural area according to availability of resources.
Conclusion: Improper storage for the purpose of reuse of leftover medicine and inappropriate disposal of such medicines were highly evident in this study. This calls for more awareness programmes in this area for the population at large.

Key words: Leftover medicines, Pediatric Population, Storage of medicines, Utilization of medicines