Prevalence and factors associated with leftover drugs in chronic illness patients, Mueang Roi-Et Municipality Health Service Center

Abstract

Purpose : To study the problem of leftover medicines and relationship between fundamental factors and leftover medicines in chronic patients at Mueang Roi-Et Municipality Public Health Services Center

Study design : Cross-sectional analytical study

Materials and methods :  367 of samples consisted chronically ill patients who were received services.  Data were collected using interview forms and follow-up visits to chronic patients' homes to investigate problems and causes of drug availability, and from medical records. From February 1 to April 30, 2021. Data were analyzed using percentage, Chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression.

Main findings : A total of 367 subjects had 5 items on average (SD=2.26), least 1 and 13 items, most of them had no medication left over, 286 (77.93%) and 81 (22.07%) had leftover. The remaining drugs mean averaged 2.52 items (SD=0.17), with a drug remaining, the most 8 items, the most remaining drugs were Metformin 500 mg 3,630 tablets, valued 3,630 baht, followed by Amlodipine     5 mg. 1,399 tablets, valued 2,098.50 baht, Simvastatin 20 mg. 900 of tablets worth 1,800 baht and vitamin B1-6-12 1,450 tablets worth 1,450 baht, respectively. Chi-square statistical relationship test found that variables, age, sex, chronic illness, number of drugs received, a reason of having leftover drugs, cooperation in treatment, forgetting to take medicine or not taking medicine as prescribed by doctor, side effects from medication, and the physicians over-prescribing medications for appointment date were associated with the presence of leftover medicines (p<.001).

Conclusion and recommendations : This research suggest that home visits for all chronically ill patients who have leftover medication should be followed up, to analyze the root cause and appropriate solution for each patient to help patients cooperate in more treatment. As a result, the disease can be controlled, have a better quality of life and can reduce drug costs effectively.