ASSESSMENT OF MEDICINE STORAGE PRACTICES AND HOME MEDICATION SAFETY AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN A SELECTED COMMUNITY IN KERALA

Background: Unsafe medicine storage at home can lead to accidental poisoning, medication misuse, antimicrobial resistance, and poor adherence.[1] Objective: To assess home medication storage practices and identify gaps in medication safety among households. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 60 households in a selected community block in Kottayam District as part of the author’s Field Research Fellowship in Community Pharmacy Practice. Data were collected using a structured checklist assessing storage location, labelling, expiry status, and disposal practices. Results: Only 22% of households stored medicines in a designated cabinet. Expired medicines were found in 38% of households. Safe disposal practices were followed by only 12%. Conclusion: Unsafe home medication storage is common. Community pharmacist-led awareness programs are urgently needed to ensure safe storage and disposal of medicines.