Leftover Drugs and Drug Use Behavior of People in Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

Objective: To determine type, volume and value of leftover drugs, anddrug use behavior of people in Chiang Mai province. Method: This crosssectionaldescriptive study collected data by interviewing adults (≥ 18years) residing in Chiang Mai province. Multi-stage sampling was used toselect 420 individuals. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics andrelationship between having leftover drugs and associating factors wastested by logistic regression. Results: Of 420 individual interviewed, 253(88.5%) had complete information for determining leftover drug problem.The most found leftover drugs included tablets of hydrochlorothiazide 50mg, aspirin 81 mg, enalapril 5 mg, simvastatin 10 mg and glibenclamide 5mg. Collective value of leftover drugs was 57,132.82 baht (based onstandard charge price) with an average of 225.82 baht/person. Reasons forhaving leftover drugs were drug over supply, missing doses, dose selfadjusting,unscheduled follow-up visit, and drug-related problems. Morethan 90% received chronic disease care from a sole healthcare setting.70.4% stored their drugs properly. Improper drug storages included keepingseveral drugs in the same package, unclean storage, exposure to the lightand heat, and expired drugs. Factors significantly associating with havingleftover drugs included having no job/retired and number of chronic illness.Conclusion: A large proportion of people in Chiang Mai province hadleftover drugs with an improper storage problem and inadequate advice onthe issue. A proactive advice could lessen resource waste and betterhealthcare management system.Keywords: leftover drugs, drug use behavior, value of leftover drugs