RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EXCESSIVE MEDICATION STORAGE IN AN URBAN AREA OF MEXICO

Abstract

Objective: To describe the risk factors associated with excessive medication storage in urban households in a region of Mexico. Materials and Methods: A virtual survey was used to collect sociodemographic data of
household members and details concerning stored medications. Data were analyzed using measures of central tendency, dispersion, and odds Ratio and Chi-square tests to explore significant associations between variables. Results: Of the 300 surveyed households, 20% had children under the age of five, 25.3% had elderly adults, and 78.5% had social security coverage. In addition, a higher prevalence of analgesics (99%), anti-inflammatories (92%), and antipyretics (89%) was observed compared to other medication categories. Plastic containers were the preferred choice of most families for storing medication. 51% percent reported having expired medications at home, despite all respondents claiming to adhere to proper storage practices. Conclusion: It was determined that elderly people, social security coverage, and the presence of chronic illnesses are significant risk factors for
excessive storage, with the accumulation of expired medications being a consequence of this phenomenon.