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In-Home Drug Storage by Older Adults

Authors

  • Lori Suet Hang Lo Email The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Linda Yin King Lee The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Irene Yuen Fung Wong The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Yuen Yan Lai The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Hoi Tong Au The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Tsz Ying Wong The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Chui Ping Chueng The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Wai Lam Shek The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Choi Yi Wong The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Hoi Lam Chan The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Hon Sze Cheuk The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Nga Hing Mark The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Shu Ching Wong The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Wing Yan Cheung The Open University of Hong Kong

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jgm.v2i3.2469
Received: 23 October 2020 | Published Online: 29 December 2020

Abstract

Globally, in-home drug-storage compliance is often unsatisfactory, especially among older adults, and can lead to negative health outcomes. This study used a cross-sectional and descriptive design to examine in-home drug-storage compliance among older adults. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 117 older adults in Hong Kong. An in-home drug-storage checklist was used to assess the in-home drug-storage environments (light, temperature, and humidity) and drug-storage methods (drug safety, packaging, information, and expiration) of each older adult. The findings showed that Hong Kong older adults’ overall compliance rate in drug storage was 87.25%, and their compliance rate for drug-storage methods (84.59%) was lower than that for drug-storage environments (97.02%). Older adults who were of advanced age, who were less educated or who lived alone demonstrated lower in-home drug-storage compliance. This indicates the need to revise existing health-education strategies to encourage in-home drug-storage compliance. Healthcare professionals should assess older adults’ drug-storage compliance to identify less compliant subgroups and deliver specific drug-storage support as required. Family members should also be involved in this process.

Keywords:

Drug storage, Compliance, Older adults, Home

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