Knowledge and Practices on Home Medication Storage and Disposal in Syria: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study

Knowledge and Practices on Home Medication Storage and Disposal in Syria: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Knowledge and Practices on Home Medication Storage and Disposal in Syria: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study Raghad Samha, Azmi Wali, Saeed Al-Qadri, Fatima Al-Assi, Aya Al-Khalaf, and 5 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4714675/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 06 Sep, 2024 Read the published version in BMC Public Health → Version 1 posted 4 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Medications are commonly found in every household. Improper storage can alter their effectiveness and usability, while inappropriate disposal negatively impacts the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and practices of Syrian individuals regarding the appropriate storage and disposal of home medications. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 22 to October 20, 2023, using an online survey distributed via social media apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram) in Syria. The questionnaire, adapted from a similar study in Saudi Arabia, was translated to Arabic using the forward-backward translation technique. A convenience sampling technique was used. Validity and reliability were confirmed through a pilot study with 50 participants (Cronbach's alpha = 0.7). Inclusion criteria were participants over eighteen with expired or unused medications at home. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 27, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Results A total of 2,217 responses were collected. The findings revealed that 87% of respondents dispose of expired medications in the garbage, and 95% keep medications in their original containers. Additionally, 30% consult pharmacists for storage instructions, and 64% read the storage information on medication leaflets. There was no significant difference in responses between medical professionals and the general population. Conclusion This study highlights a significant lack of awareness among the Syrian public regarding the proper storage and disposal of medications. Enhanced public education and awareness programs are essential to improve these practices. Medication Safety Medication Disposal Home Medication Storage Syria Introduction Pharmaceutical preparations known as medications are frequently used and kept in households all around the world [ 1 ]. While medications play a vital role in life preservation, they can also have negative side effects if misused and abused [ 2 ]. Studies conducted both domestically and internationally reveal that most patients store their prescriptions improperly at home. This practice heightens the risk of unintended consequences, including improper self-medication, accidental overdoses, and prescription drug misuse [ 3 ]. The safe disposal of unused, unwanted, or expired medications, particularly by consumers, is a significant global concern. Many developed nations have initiatives to address the disposal of leftover medications, with strong support from both the government and the pharmaceutical industry for projects like the National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines Project [ 4 ]. In the United Kingdom, around 653 million prescriptions were dispensed annually in 1999,and 1074 million were in 2009, This increase can result from a rise in the variety of available pharmaceuticals or the expanded utilization of previously available medications [ 5 ]. Medicine waste refers to both expired and partially or completely unused medications, For the safe and appropriate use of pharmaceuticals, including vitamins and vitamin supplements, careful storage in homes is crucial, Medication should be kept in the physical conditions necessary for maximum efficacy, which includes proper storage(6). Various analgesics, anticonvulsants, anti-epileptics, antibiotics, painkillers, and synthetic hormones are among the pharmaceuticals that are frequently found in freshwater environments, as these substances are difficult to remove with conventional wastewater treatment processes [ 4 ]. Disposing of discarded medications through environmentally unfavorable routes, such as the sink, toilet, or trash can, significantly contributes to groundwater and water contamination and the overall environmental presence of pharmaceutically active compounds [ 4 ]. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the appropriate disposal of unused and expired medications in accordance with agreements between neighborhood pharmacies and the local police force, These organizations offer advice on how to get rid of outdated and unwanted drugs by burning them, taking them back to nearby pharmacies and over-the-counter medications sellers (OTCMs), or flushing them down the toilet (for drugs on the FDA flush list) [ 7 ]. The practice of discarding leftover medications has since expanded to become a global issue that is attracting the interest of governments, medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and the general public [ 4 ]. In certain other nations, the practice of flushing drugs down the sewage system still exists, only by implementing procedures for appropriately discarding unused and expired medications can the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment be reduced [ 7 ]. Programs to dispose of leftover medications are available in many developed nations, one such initiative is the National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines Project, which has the full backing of both the government and the pharmaceutical industry [ 2 ]. The leaflet that is often attached to each drug contains detailed recommendations for the proper way to store a medicine. No prior research has examined how medications are stored in Syria, and there are no explicit guidelines, regarding the storage and disposal of home medications. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and practices of Syrian individuals regarding the appropriate way of disposing and storing medications. Methods Study design and sample size During the period 22 September to 20 October 2023, we distributed an online-based survey in Syria using social media apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, and telegram). This research was a cross-sectional study. Based on prior research conducted in Saudi Arabia (1), a questionnaire was translated from the English language to Arabic, using the forward backward translation technique. The conceptual translation was prioritized during the translation process over the literal (word-for-word) translation. All responses were anonymous and contained no identifying information; the data was only accessible to the main investigator. A convenience sampling technique was used to pick the sample population. Before disseminating the questionnaire, we assessed its usability and technical functionality on thirty participants in an experimental survey. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were then confirmed by testing it on 50 participants as part of a pilot study; Cronbach's alpha was 0.7. Inclusion criteria were for participants to be older than eighteen and have any expired or unused medications in their residences. Calculator.net's sample size estimator, accessible at “https://www.calculator.net/sample-size-calculator.html”, was used to determine the sample size. Based on UN estimates, the population of Syria is predicted to surpass 18 million in 2019. We used that information to undertake an analysis of statistical power in order to determine the sample size. A sample size of 385 with a 50% design effect, a 0.05 margin of error, and a 95% confidence level was recommended. Our sample size was 2217 in total. Measures The questionnaire consisted of 22 questions divided into 2 sections: 1. Socio-demographic characteristics: This covers 9 questions about age, gender, the governorate of origin, living place (urban or rural), employment status, financial status, educational level, having kids < 6 years, belonging to the medical field. 2. Knowledge and practice towards storing and disposing of medications: This section includes 13 questions about the way/place in which drugs are stored at home, whether the original containers of the prescriptions are changed or not, and whether the expiry date is written on the new container. Participants were questioned in certain questions if they are aware of the kinds of pharmaceutical preparations or dosage forms that need to be refrigerated, as well as whether they check the expiration date of the medications they have stored before using them and on a regular basis. They were also questioned about how they dispose of both unused, unexpired and expired drugs. The full Arabic and English version of the questionnaire can be found in Supplementary file. 1 Ethical approval This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Ethical approval for this research was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Syrian Private University and Al-Baath University. Prior to participation, all respondents were provided with detailed information about the study's purpose, and their rights as participants. Informed consent was obtained electronically from all participants before they began the survey. Participation was voluntary, and participants could withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. All responses were anonymous, and no identifying information was collected. The data was stored securely and was accessible only to the main investigator. Statistical analysis The statistical analysis for this study involved multiple steps to ensure a thorough examination of the data. Descriptive statistics were calculated to determine mean values and standard deviations (±SD) for continuous variables. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. To analyze variations in medication storage and disposal practices among different demographic groups, Chi-square tests were utilized. This allowed for the identification of significant differences across groups. Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to pinpoint specific factors that predict medication storage and disposal behaviors. All analyses were performed using SPSS software, version 27. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents A total sample size of 2217, 1753 (79%) were female. Most respondents 1246 (56%) were in the 21-30 years age group. 798 (35.9%) lived in northern Syria. The majority of the participants lived in cities 1805 (81%). Regarding the respondents' educational levels, 1767 (80%) were University students. Participants who work or study in the healthcare system were 1090 (49%). Only 464 (21%) reported that they have children under 6 years old. 1051 (47%) participants reported their financial status as moderate. 925 (42%) participants were students who were unemployed, 347 (16%) participants were unemployed, and 337 (15%) participants worked full-time jobs. (Table 1) Table 1: Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics. Item N (%) Gender Female 1753(79) Male 464(21) Age groups 18-20 years 487(22) 21-30 years 1246(56) 31-40 years 265(12) 40 years or older 219(10) Living area Eastern Syria 34(1.5) Northern Syria 798(35.9) Middle Syria 641(28.9) Southern Syria 602(27.1) Western Syria 142(6.4) Area of living Urban 1805(81) Rural 412(19) Education level No formal education 12(1) Primary school 28(1) Secondary school 61(3) High school 198(9) University 1767(80) Postgraduate 151(7) Work Part time job 265(12) Full-time job 337(15) Student 925(42) Student+ part-time job 259(12) Student+ full-time job 84(4) Unemployed 347(16) Do you belong to the medical field Yes 1090(49) No 1127(51) Do you have any kids <6? Yes 464(21) No 1753(79) Income Low 342(15) Moderate 1051(47) Good 741(33) High 83(4) Knowledge and practices of participants regarding medications storage. Among study participants, 2102 (95%) kept medications in their original container, 2073 (94%) said that they check the expiration date before using the medications, 1596 (72%) check the expiration date periodically, 1414 (64%) read the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet, 672 (30%) asked the pharmacist about the storing instructions and 869 (39%) wrote the expiration date on the new container. (Table 2) Table 2 . Participants’ medication storage behaviors. Behavior N (%) Keeping medication in original container Yes 2102(95) No 115(5) Checking the expiration date before using the medications Yes 2073(94) No 144(6) Checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically Yes 1596(72) No 621(28) Reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet Yes 1414(64) No 803(36) Asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions Yes 672(30) No 1545(70) Writing the expiration date on the new container Yes 869(39) No 1348(61) The most common classes of medications that participants kept at home were painkillers and antipyretics 2107 (95%). When they were asked about the ways they dispose unused medications, the most common answers were storing it for future use and throwing it in the garbage, as reported by 986 (44.4%) and 974 (43.9%) participants, respectively. The main way to dispose expired medications was throwing it in the garbage, as reported by 2012 (90.7%) participants. Regarding places where medications were stored, 622 (28%) were stored in bedroom, 570 (25.7%) in kitchen and 1231 (55.5%) in cabinet. When participants were asked about the way they carried medications in case of traveling, more than half of them reported that they carry it in handbag 1495 (67.4%). Regarding dosage forms that should be stored in the refrigerator, suppository was the most commonly reported by 1716 (77.4%) participants. (Table 3) Table 3: Participants’ knowledge and practices regarding the storage of medications. Item N (%) Common classes of medications in the house Pain killers+ antipyretics 2107(27) Cough syrups 1072(14) Vitamins and supplements 1419(18) Antibiotics 943(12) Antiacids 625(8) Antidiabetic agents 331(4) Antihypertensive 522(7) Anti-hyperlipidemic 242(3) Others 419(5) The way of disposing unused medications Keep it at home until expiration 23(1) Store it for future use 986(36) Throw it in the garbage 974(36) Give it to a friend or relative 427(16) Return it to the pharmacy 313(11) The way of disposing the expired medications Throw it in the garbage 2012(87) Throw it in the toilet 118(5) Return it to the pharmacy 81(3) Buried in the soil 90(4) Burn it 25(1) Store medications in Cabinet 1231(46) No box 131(5) Open box 303(11) Bag 206(8) Locked box 407(15) Others 424(16) Place for storing medications Refrigerator 490(31) Bedroom 622(21) Kitchen 570(19) Living room 488(16) Car 14(0.4) Others 373(12) Medications that should be stored in the refrigerator Suppositories 1716(27) Insulin 381(6) Syrups 887(14) Eye drops 591(9) Injectable medication 365(6) Ear drops 245(4) Ointments 497(8) Antibiotics 290(5) Tab+ caps 6(0.1) Hormones 102(2) Creams 367(6) Iron and folic acid tablets 157(2) Vitamins tablets 315(5) Others 320(5) The way of carrying the medications in case of traveling In handbag 1495(67) With luggage 290(13) In a bag inside the airplane cabin 51(2) I do not carry medications during travel 217(10) Buy new medications from designated country 164(8) Correlations between participants characteristics and their practices regarding the storge of medications Using chi-square test, results showed a statistically significant difference between males and females in checking the expiration date before using the medications, of which 1653 (94%) females answered “yes” (p-value < 0.01), checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically, of which 1291 (74%) females answered “yes” (p-value < 0.001), reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet, of which 1159 (66%) females answered “yes” (p-value < 0.0001), asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions, of which 158 (34%) males answered “yes” (p-value < 0.05) and writing the expiration date on the new container, of which 711 (41%) females answered “yes” (p-value < 0.05). (Table 4) Table 4: Participants’ medication storage practices stratified by gender. Behavior Gender P value Male N (%) Female N (%) Keeping medication in original container 0.354 Yes 436(94) 1666(95) No 28(6) 87(5) Checking the expiration date before using the medications 0.0033* Yes 420(91) 1653(94) No 44(9) 100(6) Checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically 0.0007* Yes 305(66) 1291(74) No 159(34) 462(26) Reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet <0.0001* Yes 255(55) 1159(66) No 209(45) 594(34) Asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions 0.0487* Yes 158(34) 514(29) No 306(66) 1239(71) Writing the expiration date on the new container 0.0107* Yes 158(34) 711(41) No 306(66) 1042(59) Results showed a statistically significant difference between different age groups in checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically, of which 221 (83%) participants in the age group 31–40 years old answered “yes” (p-value < 0.0001), reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet, of which 188 (71%) participants in the age group 31–40 years old answered “yes” (p-value < 0.01), asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions, of which 165 (34%) participants in the age group 18–20 years old and 90 (34%) participants in the age group 31–40 years old answered “yes” (p-value < 0.05) and writing the expiration date on the new container, of which 104 (47%) participants in the age group above 40 years old answered “yes” (p-value 40 N (%) Keeping medication in original container 0.132 Yes 465 (95) 1170 (94) 257 (97) 210 (96) No 22 (5) 76 (6) 8 (3) 9 (4) Checking the expiration date before using the medications 0.845 Yes 458 (94) 1165 (94) 248 (94) 202 (92) No 29 (6) 81 (6) 17 (6) 17 (8) Checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically <0.0001* Yes 334 (69) 870 (70) 221 (83) 171 (78) No 153 (31) 376 (30) 44 (17) 48 (22) Reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet 0.0049* Yes 313 (64) 761 (61) 188 (71) 152 (69) No 174 (36) 485 (39) 77 (29) 67 (31) Asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions 0.0197* Yes 165 (34) 344 (28) 90 (34) 73 (33) No 322 (66) 902 (72) 175 (66) 146 (67) Writing the expiration date on the new container <0.0001* Yes 214 (44) 433 (35) 118 (45) 104 (47) No 273 (56) 813 (65) 147 (55) 115 (53) Results showed a statistically significant difference between different educational levels in reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet, of which 148 (75%) participants in high schools answered “yes” (p-value < 0.01), asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions, of which 15 (54%) participants in primary schools answered “yes” (p-value < 0.0001) and writing the expiration date on the new container, of which 18 (64%) participants in primary schools answered “yes” (p-value < 0.01). (Table 6) Table 6: Participants’ medication storage practices stratified by education level. Cases Education level N (%) P value No formal education Primary school Secondary school High school University Postgraduate Keeping medication in original container 0.479 Yes 12 (100) 28 (100) 59 (97) 189 (95) 1668 (94) 146 (97) No 0 (0.00) 0 (0.00 2 (3) 9 (5) 99 (6) 5 (3) Checking the expiration date before using the medications 0.545 Yes 12 (100) 27 (96) 55 (90) 185 (93) 1649 (93) 145 (96) No 0 (0.00) 1 (4) 6 (10) 13 (7) 118 (7) 6 (4) Checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically 0.203 Yes 6 (50) 20 (71) 49 (80) 151 (76) 1260 (71) 110 (73) No 6 (50) 8 (29) 12 (20) 47 (24) 507 (29) 41 (27) Reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet 0.0037* Yes 4 (33) 17 (61) 43 (70) 148 (75) 1108 (63) 94 (62) No 8 (67) 11 (39) 18 (30) 50 (25) 659 (37) 57 (38) Asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions <0.0001* Yes 5 (42) 15 (54) 31 (51) 79 (40) 505 (29) 37 (25) No 7 (58) 13 (46) 30 (49) 119 (60) 1262 (71) 114 (75) Writing the expiration date on the new container 0.0011* Yes 4 (33) 18 (64) 30 (49) 97 (49) 664 (38) 56 (37) No 8 (67) 10 (36) 31 (51) 101 (51) 1103 (62) 95 (63) Results showed that there is no statistically significant difference in any variable between people who work or study in the medical field and people who do not (p-value > 0.05). (Table 7) Table 7: Participants’ medication storage practices stratified by whether they work in the medical field. Behavior Do you have any work in the medical field P value Yes N (%) No N (%) Keeping medication in original container 0.105 Yes 1025 (94) 1077 (96) No 65 (6) 50 (4) Checking the expiration date before using the medications 0.512 Yes 1023 (94) 1050(93) No 67 (6) 77 (7) Checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically 0.195 Yes 771 (71) 825 (73) No 319 (29) 302 (27) Reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet 0.074 Yes 675 (62) 739 (66) No 415 (38) 388 (34) Asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions 0.292 Yes 319 (29) 353 (31) No 771 (71) 774 (69) Writing the expiration date on the new container 0.064 Yes 406 (37) 463 (41) No 684 (63) 664 (59) Using logistic regression, results showed that males (OR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.40-0.84) were less likely to check the expiration date before using the medications. Participants who aged 31-40 years (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31-0.68), above 40 years (OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.37-0.82) and males (OR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.54-0.85) were less likely to check the expiration date of stored medications periodically. On the other hand, uneducated participants (OR: 3.59, 95%CI: 1.05-12.30) and those who had children below 6 years old (OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.01-1.67) were more likely to check. These two groups were also more likely to read the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet (OR: 4.59, 95%CI: 1.28-16.42) and (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.00- 1.58), respectively. While males (OR: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.50-0.76) and participants in high schools (OR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.36-0.93) were less likely to read it. Males (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.01-1.57) and those who had children below 6 years old (OR:1.32, 95%CI: 1.05-1.65) were more likely to ask the pharmacist about the storing instructions. On the other hand, participants in elementary schools (OR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.12-0.67), secondary schools (OR: 0.34, 95%CI: 0.18-0.65) and high schools (OR: 0.53, 95%CI: 0.33-0.86) were less likely to ask the pharmacist. Males (OR: 0.75, 95%CI: 0.60-0.93) and participants in elementary schools (OR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.17-0.94) were less likely to write the expiration date on the new container. While participants who aged 21-30 years (OR: 1.41, 95%CI: 1.13-1.75) were more likely to write the expiration date. (Table 8) Table 8: Predictors of different medication storage practices. Item Keeping medication in original container Checking the expiration date before using the medications Checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically Reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet Asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions Writing the expiration date on the new container Gender Female 1 1 1 1 1 1 Male 0.81 (0.52-1.26) 0.58 (0.40-0.84)* 0.68 (0.54-0.85)* 0.61 (0.50-0.76)* 1.26 (1.01-1.57)* 0.75 (0.60-0.93)* Age group 18-20 1 1 1 1 1 1 21-30 1.38 (0.84-2.27) 1.46 (0.73-1.79) 0.93 (0.73-1.17) 1.09 (0.87-1.37) 1.23 (0.98-1.56) 1.41 (1.13-1.75)* 31-40 0.72 (0.30-1.68) 1.31 (0.68-2.49) 0.46 (0.31-0.68)* 0.77 (0.55-1.09) 1.11 (0.79-1.55) 1.00 (0.73-1.37) >40 1.09 (0.49-2.44) 1.45 (0.77-2.75) 0.55 (0.37-0.82)* 0.70 (0.49-1.01) 1.16 (0.81-1.67) 0.90 (0.65-1.27) Education level No formal education 1.11 (0.00-0) 2.31 (0.00-0) 3.59 (1.05-12.30)* 4.59 (1.28-16.42)* 0.47 (0.13-1.61) 1.57 (0.44-5.55) Primary school 1.13 (0.00-0) 0.89 (0.10-7.80) 1.38 (0.55-3.48) 1.35 (0.57-3.16) 0.28 (0.12-0.67)* 0.40 (0.17-0.94)* Secondary school 1.08 (0.20-5.84) 2.70 (0.82-8.86) 0.73 (0.35-1.54) 0.77 (0.40-1.47) 0.34 (0.18-0.65)* 0.68 (0.37-1.25) High school 1.52 (0.48-4.73) 1.90 (0.69-5.23) 0.79 (0.47-1.31) 0.58 (0.36-0.93)* 0.53 (0.33-0.86)* 0.69 (0.44-1.07) University 1.65 (0.65-4.16) 1.86 (0.79-4.36) 0.90 (0.61-1.33) 0.90 (0.63-1.28) 0.81 (0.55-1.21) 0.95 (0.67-1.07) Postgraduate 1 1 1 1 1 1 Do you have any kids <6 years Yes 0.94 (0.58-1.52) 1.38 (0.86-2.21) 1.29 (1.01-1.67)* 1.26 (1.00-1.58)* 1.32 (1.05-1.65)* 0.98 (0.79-1.22) No 1 1 1 1 1 1 Do you have any work in the medical field Yes 0.75 (0.51-1.11) 1.25 (0.88-1.78) 0.92 (0.76-1.13) 0.89 (0.74-1.07) 0.99 (0.81-1.21) 0.88 (0.73-1.06) No 1 1 1 1 1 1 *P<0.05 Discussion This research studied the Syrian public awareness and practices regarding the appropriate way of disposing and storing medications. Our study has shown that only a minority ask the pharmacist about proper storing instructions, this practice should be reinforced and encouraged among the public, and the role of pharmacists regarding this issue should be improved. Studies have shown that many pharmacists do not provide adequate instruction on medication disposal [8,9], so it is essential for healthcare providers, especially pharmacists, to have a greater role in educating people. Most participants opted to throw medications away when expired (87%), while (36%) did so when unused, which confirms results from numerous previous studies conducted in the Middle East [3,6,8,10,11]. There is a good proportion of our sample who chose to keep medications for later usage after being done with their prescription (36%), that can be attributed to self-medication practices without referring to healthcare providers, which is common among the Middle Eastern region [12,13]. Our study found that participants who are females, aged older than 30, received secondary or high school education were more likely to verify expiry dates and read medication storage instructions. This tendency may be explained by the fact that many of these participants were likely mothers, given that most women in this age group tend to be married [14] and have children to care for. As such, they may be more attentive to details related to their children's health, as has been observed in previous studies conducted in Turkey [15]. Participants aged 21-30, primarily university students, were less inclined to inquire about proper storage instructions or to note expiration dates on new containers. This trend might be attributed to the fact that 80% of our participants had university education, possibly leading them to believe they did not need additional guidance. Conversely, individuals with only primary education demonstrated a higher likelihood of seeking such information. This group perhaps recognized the importance of receiving accurate instructions from professionals. According to respondents, the refrigerator was the most frequently utilized place to store prescriptions and suppositories are the most important drugs to keep in there. While traveling, the majority of our participants store their medications in their handbags . which is in line with what was found in a similar study conducted in Saudi Arabia [1]. In a study conducted in Sweden, 73% of participants returned their unwanted medications to the pharmacy, citing environmental concerns as their main reason. Only 13% kept their unused medications in their cupboards, and 9% threw them away in the trash [16]. While in Syria, our study shows that only a mere (11%) returned their medications to the pharmacy, and (36%) disposed of them in the trash. This suggests that either there is a lack of awareness among Syrians about the proper methods of medication disposal, or pharmacists might not be adequately informing patients about this crucial aspect. In a similar study conducted in Sudan, (47.2%) of the population stored their medication for future use [17], whereas (36%) of our study participants did so, when asked for their reasons they stated the ease of access to medication in case another family member gets sick with the same illness and other economical and availability reasons. Our survey revealed that most participants (87%) disposed of expired prescriptions in the garbage, while in a study conducted in Northern Ethiopia found (75.2%) of participants to do the same [18]. However, this higher percentage in our study may be due to a lack of awareness about the environmental and health risks associated with disposing of expired medications. Proper medication disposal methods are crucial to prevent the harmful impact of expired pharmaceuticals on environmental and life resources. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance public education regarding this critical issue. On the contrary, (3%) returned their medications to the pharmacy and a minority (1%) burned them. Antibiotics made up 26% of the total drugs in the Saudi Arabian study that were most frequently kept in home storage. This is explained by their common usage in treating influenza and respiratory tract infections [19]. In contrast, the majority of our study participants (95%) reported storing painkillers and antipyretics, as they are often used as a first-line treatment to alleviate symptoms without knowledge of the underlying condition. This may be due to an increase in self-medication practices rather than seeking medical advice, as the main reasons for self-medication were having mild symptoms of the illness or not being able to afford a doctor’s appointment due to the worsening economic state [20]. Discussing the appropriate storage conditions for medications stored at home, in the Saudi Arabian study, 42% of respondents stored their medications in a refrigerator [19]. whereas in our study, only 31% did so. These results may be attributed to the increased awareness among Saudi Arabian residents regarding proper storage conditions, or the lack of suitable storage facilities such as refrigerators and electricity in current circumstances in Syria. Additionally, the majority of participants in our study (77.4%) reported storing suppositories in the refrigerator, which can be explained by the nature and sensitivity of these medications to heat. Our study found that 94% of participants checked the expiration date of medications, contrasting with 59.2% in an Ethiopian survey and 59.5% in a another conducted in Nepal [2,21], possibly due to differing knowledge and awareness of expiration dates and health risks [21]. When comparing between people who work in the medical field and the general population, we found that there was no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding their answers, which is contrary to what is expected, in general people who work in the medical field are expected to be more aware about the proper ways of storing medications, but to our surprise we found that the general population were just as aware if not even slightly more as the former group, a possible explanation is that even though the general population don’t have as much knowledge about medicine in comparison to medical field workers, they have a good amount of information out of concern for their children and families, another plausible explanation is due to the ease of access to the information readily available online from trustable sources. Strengths and limitations of the study This study is the first of its kind in Syria, which makes it a starting point for spreading awareness about proper ways of disposal and storage of medications in Syria, which raises a challenge to conduct more studies to raise awareness about health issues in the future. Additionally, our study sample was made up of 2417 participants which is significantly bigger than similar studies [16-19]. However, given that females made up the majority (79%) of the study population, bias in analysis and discussion is to be expected during the course of the study. Significant statistical disparities are also observed concerning the level of education, age, population distribution, having children under the age of six, work nature, and level of income. The survey was conducted online which means that people with no access to the internet were not able to participate in it, also our sample was mostly made up of three governorates. Conclusion The results of this study show that participants were aware of checking expiration dates on medications. However, it was clear that self-medication is a common practice and there is lack of awareness of proper ways of disposing medication, as a significant number of participants chose to discard unused and expired medicines by disposing of them in household garbage and down the sink. Unfortunately, this practice poses risks to both the environment and public health. Proper disposal methods are crucial to mitigate these harmful effects, which shows the importance of awareness campaigns and the vital role that pharmacists play regarding this issue. The implementation of drug takeback program in local pharmacies along with awareness campaigns can be a great step in addressing this problem. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Ethics approval was obtained from ethics boards in Syrian Private University and Al-Baath University. All participants provided written informed consent prior to their participation in the study. Consent for publication Not applicable Availability of data and materials The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests Funding The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Authors' contributions R.S, A.W, F.A, M.S conceived and designed the study, and drafted the manuscript. S.AQ analyzed the data and created the tables. A.AK, A.AD contributed to the interpretation of the results and the literature review. M.S, M.A.A provided critical feedback and helped shape the research, analysis, and manuscript. W.I.K contributed to the manuscript revision. S.AH supervised the research project, provided guidance throughout the study, and critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors contributed to the writing of the manuscript, read, and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgements We would like to thank Theqa team for their support and assistance throughout the study. Data Collection Group: Mahmoud Salem Aloudat 1 , Manar Bassam Omaira 1 , Rabah Suhail Baghdadi 1 , Hala Jafa 2 , Tuka Hamasho 3 , George Moayad Hneino 4 , 1 Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria. 2 Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria. 3 Faculty of Medicine, Hama University, Hama, Syria. 4 Faculty of Medicine, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria. References Hassan EWE, Taisan AAA, Abualhommos AK. Knowledge and practices concerning the storage and disposal of home medications among people in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Saudi Pharm journal: SPJ : official publication Saudi Pharm Soc. 2022;30(2):172–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2021.12.010 . Woldeyohanins AE, Adugna M, Mihret T, Kifle ZD. (2021). Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Unused Medications Disposal among Patients Visiting Public Health Centers in Gondar Town, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of environmental and public health, 2021, 5074380. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5074380 . AlAzmi A, AlHamdan H, Abualezz R, Bahadig F, Abonofal N, Osman M. (2017). Patients' Knowledge and Attitude toward the Disposal of Medications. Journal of pharmaceutics, 2017, 8516741. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8516741 . Paut Kusturica M, Tomas A, Sabo A. Disposal of Unused Drugs: Knowledge and Behavior Among People Around the World. Rev Environ Contam Toxicol. 2017;240:71–104. https://doi.org/10.1007/398_2016_3 . Corre KSL, Ort C, Kateley D, Allen B, Escher BI, Keller J. Consumption-based approach for assessing the contribution of hospitals towards the load of pharmaceutical residues in municipal wastewater. Environ Int. 2012;45:99–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2012.03.008 . Banwat SB, Auta A, Dayom DW, Buba Z. Assessment of the storage and disposal of medicines in some homes in Jos north local government area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Trop J Pharm Res. 2016;15(5):989. https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v15i5.13 . Amoabeng IA, Otoo BA, Darko G, Borquaye LS. (2022). Disposal of Unused and Expired Medicines within the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Journal of environmental and public health, 2022, 6113346. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6113346 . Al-Shareef F, El-Asrar SA, Al-Bakr L, et al. Investigating the disposal of expired and unused medication in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. Int J Clin Pharm. 2016;38:822–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-016-0287-4 . Al Ruwaili N, Balushi A, Alharf A, AlShaharani A, Eldali H, A. Do parents in Saudi Arabia store medications safely? Int J Pediat Adolesc Med. 2014;1(1):21–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2014.09.003 . Ristic´ G, Ðordevic´ A, Hristov S. 2016. A regional model for household pharmaceutical waste management. Proc. Inst. Civil Eng. - Waste Resource Manage. 169 (4), 191–199. Naser AY, Amara N, Dagash A, Naddaf A. Medications disposal and medications storage in Jordan: A cross-sectional study. Int J Clin Pract. 2021;75:1–8. Jafarzadeh A, Mahboub-Ahari A, Najafi M, Yousefi M, Dalal K. Medicine storage, wastage, and associated determinants among urban households: a systematic review and meta-analysis of household surveys. BMC Public Health. 2021;21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11100-4 . Rawan NK, Abdelwahed M, Jassem A, Alyousbashi. Self-Medication Practices, Prevalence, and Associated Factors among Syrian Adult Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study, Journal of Environmental and Public Health, vol. 2022, Article ID 9274610, 7 pages, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9274610 . Farid S. Fertility Patterns in the Arab Region. Int Fam Plan Perspect. 1984;10(4):119–25. https://doi.org/10.2307/2948061 . International Journal of Caring Sciences January-April. 2022 Volume 15 | Issue 1| Page 478 www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org. Persson M, Sabelström E, Gunnarsson B. Handling of unused prescription drugs — knowledge, behaviour and attitude among Swedish people. Environ Int. 2009;35(5):771–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2008.10.002 . Yousif MA. In-home drug storage and utilization habits: a Sudanese study. East Mediterr Health J 2002 Mar-May;8(2–3):422–31. PMID: 15339133. Kahsay H, Ahmedin M, Kebede B, Gebrezihar K, Araya H, Tesfay D. (2020). Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and disposal practice of unused and expired pharmaceuticals in community of Adigrat City, Northern Ethiopia. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2020, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6725423 . Koshok MI, Jan TK, Al-Tawil SM, Alghamdi EA, Ali A, Sobh AHM, Gamal ME, a. M. Awareness of home drug storage and utilization habits: Saudi study. Med Sci | Int Med J. 2017;6(4):1. https://doi.org/10.5455/medscience.2017.06.8687 . Abdelwahed RNK, Jassem M, Alyousbashi A. (2022). Self-Medication Practices, Prevalence, and Associated Factors among Syrian Adult Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9274610 . Jha N, Kafle S, Bhandary S, Shankar PR. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of disposing and storing unused and expired medicines among the communities of Kathmandu, Nepal. PLoS ONE. 2022;17(8):e0272635. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272635 . Supplementary Files Supplementary File 1 is not available with this version. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 06 Sep, 2024 Read the published version in BMC Public Health → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 12 Jul, 2024 Editor assigned by journal 11 Jul, 2024 Submission checks completed at journal 11 Jul, 2024 First submitted to journal 09 Jul, 2024 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4714675","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":325990408,"identity":"41c1f614-4a99-4277-a72a-161f164520a3","order_by":0,"name":"Raghad Samha","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Al-Baath University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Raghad","middleName":"","lastName":"Samha","suffix":""},{"id":325990409,"identity":"7355ebb1-5daa-49c9-b55a-be71423cda28","order_by":1,"name":"Azmi Wali","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Al-Baath University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Azmi","middleName":"","lastName":"Wali","suffix":""},{"id":325990411,"identity":"92d73d68-f495-4daa-a986-9252c56aedf1","order_by":2,"name":"Saeed Al-Qadri","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Syrian Private University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Saeed","middleName":"","lastName":"Al-Qadri","suffix":""},{"id":325990413,"identity":"4688c03b-e907-4571-ae54-99757251f339","order_by":3,"name":"Fatima Al-Assi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Aleppo","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Fatima","middleName":"","lastName":"Al-Assi","suffix":""},{"id":325990415,"identity":"3d054b69-e9a4-4ae6-a2a6-3a0be0649725","order_by":4,"name":"Aya Al-Khalaf","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Al-Baath University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Aya","middleName":"","lastName":"Al-Khalaf","suffix":""},{"id":325990416,"identity":"641ec1ee-3beb-442b-9315-eaf9c8b5398d","order_by":5,"name":"Aya Al-Deeb","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Al-Baath University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Aya","middleName":"","lastName":"Al-Deeb","suffix":""},{"id":325990418,"identity":"e4f1d55f-dac4-4b93-952a-6a49ecc091fd","order_by":6,"name":"Mosa Shibani","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA+UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACgwMQOoFNAkRWAAlm5ga8WixRtZwBaWHEr8UepoUBpIWxDcQmoMXsePPhDz8Y6vL4pJufPXg4rzaavx2o5UfFNtxazhxLk+xhOFzMJnPM3CBx2/HcGYcZGxh7ztzGreVGjhkDD8OBxDaJBDOJxG3HchuAWpgZ23BrMbiRY/zxD0MdUEv6N4nEOcdy5xOhxUCah4EZqCUHaEtDTe4GglqAfpGWMTic2CZzpkwi4diB3I1ALQfx+cUAGGIf31TUJc6f3b5N8kdNXe6884cPPvhRgVsLVCOcdRhMHiCgHgXUkaJ4FIyCUTAKRggAAGUdXx8CobPDAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Syrian Private University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mosa","middleName":"","lastName":"Shibani","suffix":""},{"id":325990420,"identity":"8a8ea339-6050-4bf0-aa99-df7c352ab1ae","order_by":7,"name":"Mhd Amin Alzabibi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Syrian Private University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mhd","middleName":"Amin","lastName":"Alzabibi","suffix":""},{"id":325990421,"identity":"33656fc4-0e33-4e7f-b9dc-368bcc38ab55","order_by":8,"name":"Walid Issa Khaddam","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Al-Baath University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Walid","middleName":"Issa","lastName":"Khaddam","suffix":""},{"id":325990425,"identity":"96b0ec69-f307-4af0-83e8-a67f35aa30fe","order_by":9,"name":"Shahd Al-Hayek","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Syrian Private University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Shahd","middleName":"","lastName":"Al-Hayek","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-07-10 00:25:49","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4714675/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4714675/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19981-x","type":"published","date":"2024-09-06T15:57:10+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":64185742,"identity":"37384f2f-c0ac-49fb-a7a9-4068501f00c2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-09 16:21:32","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1404487,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4714675/v1/70f98d70-a560-4a38-aebc-3e84c4ee8529.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Knowledge and Practices on Home Medication Storage and Disposal in Syria: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003ePharmaceutical preparations known as medications are frequently used and kept in households all around the world [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. While medications play a vital role in life preservation, they can also have negative side effects if misused and abused [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies conducted both domestically and internationally reveal that most patients store their prescriptions improperly at home. This practice heightens the risk of unintended consequences, including improper self-medication, accidental overdoses, and prescription drug misuse [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. The safe disposal of unused, unwanted, or expired medications, particularly by consumers, is a significant global concern. Many developed nations have initiatives to address the disposal of leftover medications, with strong support from both the government and the pharmaceutical industry for projects like the National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines Project [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. In the United Kingdom, around 653\u0026nbsp;million prescriptions were dispensed annually in 1999,and 1074\u0026nbsp;million were in 2009, This increase can result from a rise in the variety of available pharmaceuticals or the expanded utilization of previously available medications [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Medicine waste refers to both expired and partially or completely unused medications, For the safe and appropriate use of pharmaceuticals, including vitamins and vitamin supplements, careful storage in homes is crucial, Medication should be kept in the physical conditions necessary for maximum efficacy, which includes proper storage(6). Various analgesics, anticonvulsants, anti-epileptics, antibiotics, painkillers, and synthetic hormones are among the pharmaceuticals that are frequently found in freshwater environments, as these substances are difficult to remove with conventional wastewater treatment processes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. Disposing of discarded medications through environmentally unfavorable routes, such as the sink, toilet, or trash can, significantly contributes to groundwater and water contamination and the overall environmental presence of pharmaceutically active compounds [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the appropriate disposal of unused and expired medications in accordance with agreements between neighborhood pharmacies and the local police force, These organizations offer advice on how to get rid of outdated and unwanted drugs by burning them, taking them back to nearby pharmacies and over-the-counter medications sellers (OTCMs), or flushing them down the toilet (for drugs on the FDA flush list) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. The practice of discarding leftover medications has since expanded to become a global issue that is attracting the interest of governments, medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and the general public [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. In certain other nations, the practice of flushing drugs down the sewage system still exists, only by implementing procedures for appropriately discarding unused and expired medications can the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment be reduced [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Programs to dispose of leftover medications are available in many developed nations, one such initiative is the National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines Project, which has the full backing of both the government and the pharmaceutical industry [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. The leaflet that is often attached to each drug contains detailed recommendations for the proper way to store a medicine. No prior research has examined how medications are stored in Syria, and there are no explicit guidelines, regarding the storage and disposal of home medications. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and practices of Syrian individuals regarding the appropriate way of disposing and storing medications.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eStudy design and sample size\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the period 22 September \u0026nbsp;to 20 \u0026nbsp;October 2023, we distributed an online-based survey in Syria using social media apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, and telegram). This research was a cross-sectional study. Based on prior research conducted in Saudi Arabia (1), a questionnaire was translated from the English language to Arabic, using the forward backward translation technique. The conceptual translation was prioritized during the translation process over the literal (word-for-word) translation.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll responses were anonymous and contained no identifying information; the data was only accessible to the main investigator. A convenience sampling technique was used to pick the sample population. Before disseminating the questionnaire, we assessed its usability and technical functionality on thirty participants in an experimental survey. The questionnaire\u0026apos;s validity and reliability were then confirmed by testing it on 50 participants as part of a pilot study; Cronbach\u0026apos;s alpha was 0.7. Inclusion criteria were for participants to be older than eighteen and have any expired or unused medications in their residences. Calculator.net\u0026apos;s sample size estimator, accessible at \u0026ldquo;https://www.calculator.net/sample-size-calculator.html\u0026rdquo;, was used to determine the sample size. Based on UN estimates, the population of Syria is predicted to surpass 18 million in 2019. We used that information to undertake an analysis of statistical power in order to determine the sample size. A sample size of 385 with a 50% design effect, a 0.05 margin of error, and a 95% confidence level was recommended. Our sample size was 2217 in total.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeasures\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe questionnaire consisted of 22 questions divided into 2 sections:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Socio-demographic characteristics: This covers 9 questions about age, gender, the governorate of origin, living place (urban or rural), employment status, financial status, educational level, having kids \u0026lt; 6 years, belonging to the medical field.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Knowledge and practice towards storing and disposing of medications: This section includes 13 questions about the way/place in which drugs are stored at home, whether the original containers of the prescriptions are changed or not, and whether the expiry date is written on the new container. Participants were questioned in certain questions if they are aware of the kinds of pharmaceutical preparations or dosage forms that need to be refrigerated, as well as whether they check the expiration date of the medications they have stored before using them and on a regular basis. They were also questioned about how they dispose of both unused, unexpired and expired drugs. The full Arabic and English version of the questionnaire can be found in Supplementary file. 1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eEthical approval\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Ethical approval for this research was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Syrian Private University and\u0026nbsp;Al-Baath University. Prior to participation, all respondents were provided with detailed information about the study\u0026apos;s purpose, and their rights as participants. Informed consent was obtained electronically from all participants before they began the survey. Participation was voluntary, and participants could withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. All responses were anonymous, and no identifying information was collected. The data was stored securely and was accessible only to the main investigator.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe statistical analysis for this study involved multiple steps to ensure a thorough examination of the data. Descriptive statistics were calculated to determine mean values and standard deviations (\u0026plusmn;SD) for continuous variables. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. To analyze variations in medication storage and disposal practices among different demographic groups, Chi-square tests were utilized. This allowed for the identification of significant differences across groups. Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to pinpoint specific factors that predict medication storage and disposal behaviors. All analyses were performed using SPSS software, version 27. Statistical significance was defined as p \u0026lt; 0.05. Results were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSociodemographic characteristics of the respondents\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total sample size of 2217, 1753 (79%) were female. Most respondents 1246 (56%) were in the 21-30 years age group. 798 (35.9%) lived in northern Syria. The majority of the participants lived in cities 1805 (81%). Regarding the respondents\u0026apos; educational levels, 1767 (80%) were University students. Participants who work or study in the healthcare system were 1090 (49%). Only 464 (21%) reported that they have children under 6 years old. 1051 (47%) participants reported their financial status as moderate. 925 (42%) participants were students who were unemployed, 347 (16%) participants were unemployed, and 337 (15%) participants worked full-time jobs. (Table 1)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eParticipants\u0026rsquo; sociodemographic characteristics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"623\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1753(79)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e464(21)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge groups\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18-20 years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e487(22)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21-30 years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1246(56)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31-40 years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e265(12)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40 years or older\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e219(10)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLiving area\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEastern Syria\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34(1.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNorthern Syria\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e798(35.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMiddle Syria\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e641(28.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSouthern Syria\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e602(27.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWestern Syria\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e142(6.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArea of living\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUrban \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1805(81)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRural \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e412(19)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducation level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12(1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary school \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28(1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSecondary school\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61(3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh school\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e198(9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUniversity \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1767(80)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePostgraduate \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e151(7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWork\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePart time job\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e265(12)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFull-time job \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e337(15)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e925(42)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent+ part-time job\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e259(12)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent+ full-time job \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84(4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e347(16)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you belong to the medical field\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1090(49)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1127(51)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you have any kids \u0026lt;6?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e464(21)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1753(79)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.375601926163725%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIncome\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.831460674157306%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.792937399678973%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e342(15)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eModerate \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1051(47)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGood \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e741(33)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"60.44568245125348%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.55431754874652%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e83(4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnowledge and practices of participants regarding medications storage.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong study participants, 2102 (95%) kept medications in their original container, 2073 (94%) said that they check the expiration date before using the medications, 1596 (72%) check the expiration date periodically, 1414 (64%) read the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet, 672 (30%) asked the pharmacist about the storing instructions and 869 (39%) wrote the expiration date on the new container. (Table 2)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2\u003c/strong\u003e. Participants\u0026rsquo; medication storage behaviors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"623\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"65.1685393258427%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.088282504012842%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.74317817014446%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"65.1685393258427%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKeeping medication in original container\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.088282504012842%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.74317817014446%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2102(95)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"43.31797235023041%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.68202764976959%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e115(5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"65.1685393258427%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChecking the expiration date before using the medications\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.088282504012842%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.74317817014446%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2073(94)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"43.31797235023041%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.68202764976959%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144(6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"65.1685393258427%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChecking the expiration date of stored medications periodically\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.088282504012842%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.74317817014446%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1596(72)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"43.31797235023041%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.68202764976959%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e621(28)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"65.1685393258427%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eReading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.088282504012842%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.74317817014446%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1414(64)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"43.31797235023041%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.68202764976959%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e803(36)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"65.1685393258427%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAsking the pharmacist about the storing instructions\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.088282504012842%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.74317817014446%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e672(30)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"43.31797235023041%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.68202764976959%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1545(70)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"65.1685393258427%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWriting the expiration date on the new container\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.088282504012842%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.74317817014446%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e869(39)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"43.31797235023041%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.68202764976959%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1348(61)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most common classes of medications that participants kept at home were painkillers and antipyretics 2107 (95%). When they were asked about the ways they dispose unused medications, the most common answers were storing it for future use and throwing it in the garbage, as reported by 986 (44.4%) and 974 (43.9%) participants, respectively. The main way to dispose expired medications was throwing it in the garbage, as reported by 2012 (90.7%) participants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegarding places where medications were stored, 622 (28%) were stored in bedroom, 570 (25.7%) in kitchen and 1231 (55.5%) in cabinet. When participants were asked about the way they carried medications in case of traveling, more than half of them reported that they carry it in handbag 1495 (67.4%). Regarding dosage forms that should be stored in the refrigerator, suppository was the most commonly reported by 1716 (77.4%) participants. (Table 3)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3:\u003c/strong\u003e Participants\u0026rsquo; knowledge and practices regarding the storage of medications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"642\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"30.8411214953271%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"54.517133956386296%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.641744548286605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"30.8411214953271%\" rowspan=\"9\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCommon classes of medications in the house\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"54.517133956386296%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Pain killers+ antipyretics \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.641744548286605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2107(27)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Cough syrups \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1072(14)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Vitamins and supplements \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1419(18)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Antibiotics \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e943(12)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Antiacids \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e625(8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Antidiabetic agents\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e331(4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Antihypertensive \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e522(7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Anti-hyperlipidemic \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e242(3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Others \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e419(5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"30.8411214953271%\" rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe way of disposing unused medications\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"54.517133956386296%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Keep it at home until expiration \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.641744548286605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23(1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Store it for future use \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e986(36)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Throw it in the garbage \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e974(36)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Give it to a friend or relative \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e427(16)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Return it to the pharmacy \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e313(11)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"30.8411214953271%\" rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe way of disposing the expired medications\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"54.517133956386296%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThrow it in the garbage\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.641744548286605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2012(87)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Throw it in the toilet \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e118(5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Return it to the pharmacy \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e81(3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Buried in the soil \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90(4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Burn it \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25(1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"30.8411214953271%\" rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStore medications in\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"54.517133956386296%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Cabinet \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.641744548286605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1231(46)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No box\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131(5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Open box\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e303(11)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Bag \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e206(8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Locked box\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e407(15)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Others \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e424(16)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"30.8411214953271%\" rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlace for storing medications\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"54.517133956386296%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Refrigerator \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.641744548286605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e490(31)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Bedroom \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e622(21)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Kitchen \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e570(19)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Living room \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e488(16)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Car\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14(0.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Others \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e373(12)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"30.8411214953271%\" rowspan=\"14\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedications that should be stored in the refrigerator\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"54.517133956386296%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Suppositories \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.641744548286605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1716(27)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Insulin \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e381(6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Syrups \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e887(14)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Eye drops \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e591(9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Injectable medication \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e365(6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Ear drops \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e245(4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Ointments \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e497(8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Antibiotics \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e290(5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Tab+ caps \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6(0.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Hormones \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102(2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Creams \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e367(6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Iron and folic acid tablets \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e157(2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Vitamins tablets\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e315(5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Others \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e320(5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"30.8411214953271%\" rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe way of carrying the medications in case of traveling\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"54.517133956386296%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;In handbag \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.641744548286605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1495(67)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;With luggage \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e290(13)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;In a bag inside the airplane cabin \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51(2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;I do not carry medications during travel\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e217(10)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"78.82882882882883%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Buy new medications from designated country \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.17117117117117%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e164(8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorrelations between participants characteristics and their practices regarding the storge of medications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eUsing chi-square test, results showed a statistically significant difference between males and females in checking the expiration date before using the medications, of which 1653 (94%) females answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.01), checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically, of which 1291 (74%) females answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.001), reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet, of which 1159 (66%) females answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.0001), asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions, of which 158 (34%) males answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.05) and writing the expiration date on the new container, of which 711 (41%) females answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.05). (Table 4)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4:\u003c/strong\u003e Participants\u0026rsquo; medication storage practices stratified by gender.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"628\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"61.72248803827751%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.358851674641148%\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.91866028708134%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.5%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;(%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"52.5%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFemale\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"61.62420382165605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping medication in original container\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.101910828025478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.375796178343949%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.898089171974522%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.354\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e436(94)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1666(95)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28(6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87(5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"61.62420382165605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date before using the medications\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.101910828025478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.375796178343949%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.898089171974522%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.0033*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e420(91)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1653(94)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44(9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100(6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"61.62420382165605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date of stored medications periodically\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.101910828025478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.375796178343949%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.898089171974522%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.0007*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e305(66)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1291(74)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e159(34)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e462(26)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"61.62420382165605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.101910828025478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.375796178343949%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.898089171974522%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt;0.0001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e255(55)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1159(66)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e209(45)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e594(34)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"61.62420382165605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsking the pharmacist about the storing instructions\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.101910828025478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.375796178343949%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.898089171974522%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.0487*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e158(34)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e514(29)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e306(66)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1239(71)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"61.62420382165605%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting the expiration date on the new container\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.101910828025478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.375796178343949%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.898089171974522%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.0107*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e158(34)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e711(41)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"70.74954296160878%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.893967093235831%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e306(66)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.356489945155394%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1042(59)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults showed a statistically significant difference between different age groups in checking the expiration date of stored medications periodically, of which 221 (83%) participants in the age group 31\u0026ndash;40 years old answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.0001), reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet, of which 188 (71%) participants in the age group 31\u0026ndash;40 years old answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.01), asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions, of which 165 (34%) participants in the age group 18\u0026ndash;20 years old and 90 (34%) participants in the age group 31\u0026ndash;40 years old answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.05) and writing the expiration date on the new container, of which 104 (47%) participants in the age group above 40 years old answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.0001). (Table 5)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5:\u003c/strong\u003e Participants\u0026rsquo; medication storage practices stratified by age.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"666\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.69924812030075%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"48.421052631578945%\" colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.8796992481203%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP value\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.529411764705884%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e18-20\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"26.31578947368421%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e21-30\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"26.31578947368421%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e31-40\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.8390092879257%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026gt;40\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.13813813813813%\" colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping medication in original container\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.861861861861861%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.132\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e465 (95)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1170 (94)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e257 (97)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e210 (96)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22 (5)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76 (6)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (3)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (4)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.13813813813813%\" colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date before using the medications\u003c/strong\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.861861861861861%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.845\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e458 (94)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1165 (94)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e248 (94)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e202 (92)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 (6)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e81 (6)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (6)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (8)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.13813813813813%\" colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date of stored medications periodically\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.861861861861861%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt;0.0001*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e334 (69)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e870 (70)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e221 (83)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e171 (78)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e153 (31)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e376 (30)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44 (17)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48 (22)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.13813813813813%\" colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.861861861861861%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.0049*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e313 (64)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e761 (61)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e188 (71)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e152 (69)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e174 (36)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e485 (39)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77 (29)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67 (31)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.13813813813813%\" colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsking the pharmacist about the storing instructions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.861861861861861%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.0197*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e165 (34)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e344 (28)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90 (34)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73 (33)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e322 (66)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e902 (72)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e175 (66)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e146 (67)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.13813813813813%\" colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting the expiration date on the new container\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.861861861861861%\" rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt;0.0001*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e214 (44)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e433 (35)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e118 (45)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e104 (47)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.97444633730835%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.947189097103918%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e273 (56)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e813 (65)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.480408858603067%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e147 (55)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.117546848381602%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e115 (53)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults showed a statistically significant difference between different educational levels in reading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet, of which 148 (75%) participants in high schools answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.01), asking the pharmacist about the storing instructions, of which 15 (54%) participants in primary schools answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.0001) and writing the expiration date on the new container, of which 18 (64%) participants in primary schools answered \u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; (p-value \u0026lt; 0.01). (Table 6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 6:\u003c/strong\u003e Participants\u0026rsquo; medication storage practices stratified by education level.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"671\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCases\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"77.19821162444113%\" colspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation level N (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP value\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.146718146718147%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.057915057915057%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary school\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.409266409266408%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSecondary school\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.285714285714286%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eschool\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.637065637065637%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUniversity\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.463320463320464%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePostgraduate\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.52459016393442%\" colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping medication in original container\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.479\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (100)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28 (100)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59 (97)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e189 (95)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1668 (94)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e146 (97)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (3)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (5)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99 (6)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (3)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.52459016393442%\" colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date before using the medications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.545\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (100)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27 (96)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55 (90)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185 (93)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1649 (93)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145 (96)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (4)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (10)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 (7)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e118 (7)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (4)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.52459016393442%\" colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date of stored medications periodically\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.203\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (50)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20 (71)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49 (80)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e151 (76)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1260 (71)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e110 (73)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (50)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (29)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (20)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47 (24)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e507 (29)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41 (27)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.52459016393442%\" colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.0037*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (33)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (61)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43 (70)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e148 (75)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1108 (63)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94 (62)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (67)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11 (39)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18 (30)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 (25)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e659 (37)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57 (38)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.52459016393442%\" colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsking the pharmacist about the storing instructions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt;0.0001*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (42)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15 (54)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (51)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e79 (40)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e505 (29)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37 (25)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7 (58)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 (46)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (49)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e119 (60)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1262 (71)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e114 (75)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.52459016393442%\" colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting the expiration date on the new container\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.0011*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (33)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18 (64)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (49)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e97 (49)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e664 (38)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56 (37)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.326378539493293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.008941877794337%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (67)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.624441132637854%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (36)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.667660208643815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (51)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.028315946348734%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e101 (51)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.071535022354695%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1103 (62)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.797317436661698%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95 (63)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.475409836065573%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults showed that there is no statistically significant difference in any variable between people who work or study in the medical field and people who do not (p-value \u0026gt; 0.05). (Table 7)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 7:\u003c/strong\u003e Participants\u0026rsquo; medication storage practices stratified by whether they work in the medical field.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"642\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"32.86604361370716%\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo you have any work in the medical field\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP value\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes \u003cem\u003eN (%)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo \u003cem\u003eN (%)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.78504672897196%\" colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping medication in original container\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e0.105\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1025 (94)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1077 (96)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65 (6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;50 (4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.78504672897196%\" colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date before using the medications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e0.512\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1023 (94)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1050(93)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;67 (6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;77 (7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.78504672897196%\" colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date of stored medications periodically\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e0.195\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e771 (71)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e825 (73)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;319 (29)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;302 (27)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.78504672897196%\" colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReading the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.074\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e675 (62)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e739 (66)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;415 (38)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;388 (34)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.78504672897196%\" colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsking the pharmacist about the storing instructions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e0.292\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e319 (29)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e353 (31)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;771 (71)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e774 (69)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"88.78504672897196%\" colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting the expiration date on the new container\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e0.064\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Yes \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;406 (37)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e463 (41)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"55.9190031152648%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;No \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.1993769470405%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;684 (63)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.666666666666668%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e664 (59)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.214953271028037%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing logistic regression, results showed that males (OR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.40-0.84) were less likely to check the expiration date before using the medications. Participants who aged 31-40 years (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31-0.68), above 40 years (OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.37-0.82) and males (OR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.54-0.85) were less likely to check the expiration date of stored medications periodically. On the other hand, uneducated participants (OR: 3.59, 95%CI: 1.05-12.30) and those who had children below 6 years old (OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.01-1.67) were more likely to check. These two groups were also more likely to read the storing instructions of medications written on the leaflet (OR: 4.59, 95%CI: 1.28-16.42) and (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.00- 1.58), respectively. While males (OR: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.50-0.76) and participants in high schools (OR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.36-0.93) were less likely to read it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.01-1.57) and those who had children below 6 years old (OR:1.32, 95%CI: 1.05-1.65) were more likely to ask the pharmacist about the storing instructions. On the other hand, participants in elementary schools (OR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.12-0.67), secondary schools (OR: 0.34, 95%CI: 0.18-0.65) and high schools (OR: 0.53, 95%CI: 0.33-0.86) were less likely to ask the pharmacist. Males (OR: 0.75, 95%CI: 0.60-0.93) and participants in elementary schools (OR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.17-0.94) were less likely to write the expiration date on the new container. While participants who aged 21-30 years (OR: 1.41, 95%CI: 1.13-1.75) were more likely to write the expiration date. (Table 8)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 8: Predictors of different medication storage practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"733\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping medication in original container\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebefore using the medications\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChecking the expiration date of stored\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emedications periodically\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReading the storing\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003einstructions of medications\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewritten on the leaflet\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsking the pharmacist about the storing instructions\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting the expiration date on the new container\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.52-1.26)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.40-0.84)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.54-0.85)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.50-0.76)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.01-1.57)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.60-0.93)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge group\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18-20\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21-30\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.84-2.27)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.73-1.79)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.73-1.17)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.87-1.37)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.98-1.56)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.13-1.75)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31-40\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.30-1.68)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.68-2.49)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.31-0.68)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.55-1.09)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.79-1.55)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.73-1.37)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;40\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.49-2.44)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.77-2.75)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.37-0.82)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.49-1.01)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.81-1.67)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.65-1.27)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation level\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.00-0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.00-0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.05-12.30)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.28-16.42)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.13-1.61)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.44-5.55)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary school\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.00-0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.10-7.80)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.55-3.48)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.57-3.16)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.12-0.67)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.17-0.94)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSecondary school\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.20-5.84)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.82-8.86)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.35-1.54)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.40-1.47)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.18-0.65)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.37-1.25)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh school\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.48-4.73)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.69-5.23)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.47-1.31)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.36-0.93)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.33-0.86)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.44-1.07)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUniversity\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.65-4.16)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.79-4.36)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.61-1.33)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.63-1.28)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.55-1.21)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.67-1.07)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePostgraduate\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo you have any kids \u0026lt;6 years\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.58-1.52)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.86-2.21)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.01-1.67)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.00-1.58)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.05-1.65)*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.98\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.79-1.22)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo you have any work in the medical field\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.51-1.11)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.88-1.78)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.76-1.13)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.74-1.07)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.81-1.21)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.73-1.06)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*P\u0026lt;0.05\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis research studied the Syrian public awareness and practices regarding the appropriate way of disposing and storing medications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur study has shown that only a minority ask the pharmacist about proper storing instructions, this practice should be reinforced and encouraged among the public, and the role of pharmacists regarding this issue should be improved. Studies have shown that many pharmacists do not provide adequate instruction on medication disposal [8,9], so it is essential for healthcare providers, especially pharmacists, to have a greater role in educating people. Most participants opted to throw medications away when expired (87%), while (36%) did so when unused, which confirms results from numerous previous studies conducted in the Middle East [3,6,8,10,11]. There is a good proportion of our sample who chose to keep medications for later usage after being done with their prescription \u0026nbsp;(36%), that can be attributed to self-medication practices without referring to healthcare providers, which is common among the Middle Eastern region [12,13].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur study found that participants who are females, aged older than 30, received secondary or high school education were more likely to verify expiry dates and read medication storage instructions. This tendency may be explained by the fact that many of these participants were likely mothers, given that most women in this age group tend to be married [14] and have children to care for. As such, they may be more attentive to details related to their children\u0026apos;s health, as has been observed in previous studies conducted in Turkey [15].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants aged 21-30, primarily university students, were less inclined to inquire about proper storage instructions or to note expiration dates on new containers. This trend might be attributed to the fact that 80% of our participants had university education, possibly leading them to believe they did not need additional guidance. Conversely, individuals with only primary education demonstrated a higher likelihood of seeking such information. This group perhaps recognized the importance of receiving accurate instructions from professionals. According to respondents, the refrigerator was the most frequently utilized place to store prescriptions and suppositories are the most important drugs to keep in there. While traveling, the majority of our participants store their medications in their handbags . which is in line with what was found in a similar study conducted in Saudi Arabia [1]. In a study conducted in Sweden, 73% of participants returned their unwanted medications to the pharmacy, citing environmental concerns as their main reason. Only 13% kept their unused medications in their cupboards, and 9% threw them away in the trash [16]. While in Syria, our study shows that only a mere (11%) returned their medications to the pharmacy, and (36%) disposed of them in the trash. \u0026nbsp;This suggests that either there is a lack of awareness among Syrians about the proper methods of medication disposal, or pharmacists might not be adequately informing patients about this crucial aspect. In a similar study conducted in Sudan, (47.2%) of the population stored their medication for future use [17], whereas (36%) of our study participants did so, when asked for their reasons they stated the ease of access to medication in case another family member gets sick with the same illness and other economical and availability reasons.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur survey revealed that most participants (87%) disposed of expired prescriptions in the garbage, while in a study conducted in Northern Ethiopia found (75.2%) of participants to do the same [18]. However, this higher percentage in our study may be due to a lack of awareness about the environmental and health risks associated with disposing of expired medications. Proper medication disposal methods are crucial to prevent the harmful impact of expired pharmaceuticals on environmental and life resources. Therefore, \u0026nbsp; it is crucial to enhance public education regarding this critical issue. On the contrary, (3%) returned their medications to the pharmacy and a minority (1%) burned them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAntibiotics made up 26% of the total drugs in the Saudi Arabian study that were most frequently kept in home storage. This is explained by their common usage in treating influenza and respiratory tract infections [19]. In contrast, the majority of our study participants (95%) reported storing painkillers and antipyretics, as they are often used as a first-line treatment to alleviate symptoms without knowledge of the underlying condition. This may be due to an increase in self-medication practices rather than seeking medical advice, as the main reasons for self-medication were having mild symptoms of the illness or not being able to afford a doctor\u0026rsquo;s appointment due to the worsening economic state [20]. Discussing the appropriate storage conditions for medications stored at home, in the Saudi Arabian study, 42% of respondents stored their medications in a refrigerator [19]. whereas in our study, only 31% did so. These results may be attributed to the increased awareness among Saudi Arabian residents regarding proper storage conditions, or the lack of suitable storage facilities such as refrigerators and electricity in current circumstances in Syria. Additionally, the majority of participants in our study (77.4%) reported storing suppositories in the refrigerator, which can be explained by the nature and sensitivity of these medications to heat. Our study found that 94% of participants checked the expiration date of medications, contrasting with 59.2% in an Ethiopian survey and 59.5% in a another conducted in Nepal [2,21], possibly due to differing knowledge and awareness of expiration dates and health risks [21].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen comparing between people who work in the medical field and the general population, we found that there was no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding their answers, which is contrary to what is expected, in general people who work in the medical field are expected to be more aware about the proper ways of storing medications, but to our surprise we found that the general population were just as aware if not even slightly more as the former group, a possible explanation is that even though the general population don\u0026rsquo;t have as much knowledge about medicine in comparison to medical field workers, they have a good amount of information out of concern for their children and families, another plausible explanation is due to the ease of access to the information readily available online from trustable sources.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrengths and limitations of the study\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study is the first of its kind in Syria, which makes it a starting point for spreading awareness about proper ways of disposal and storage of medications in Syria, which raises a challenge to conduct more studies to raise awareness about health issues in the future. Additionally, our study sample was made up of 2417 participants which is significantly bigger than similar studies [16-19]. However, given that females made up the majority (79%) of the study population, bias in analysis and discussion is to be expected during the course of the study. Significant statistical disparities are also observed concerning the level of education, age, population distribution, having children under the age of six, work nature, and level of income. The survey was conducted online which means that people with no access to the internet were not able to participate in it, also our sample was mostly made up of three governorates.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe results of this study show that participants were aware of checking expiration dates on medications. However, it was clear that self-medication is a common practice and there is lack of awareness of proper ways of disposing medication, as a significant number of participants chose to discard unused and expired medicines by disposing of them in household garbage and down the sink. Unfortunately, this practice poses risks to both the environment and public health. Proper disposal methods are crucial to mitigate these harmful effects, which shows the importance of awareness campaigns and the vital role that pharmacists play regarding this issue. The implementation of drug takeback program in local pharmacies along with awareness campaigns can be a great step in addressing this problem.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Ethics approval was obtained from ethics boards in Syrian Private University and Al-Baath University. All participants provided written informed consent prior to their participation in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR.S, A.W, F.A, M.S conceived and designed the study, and drafted the manuscript. S.AQ analyzed the data and created the tables. A.AK, A.AD contributed to the interpretation of the results and the literature review. M.S, M.A.A provided critical feedback and helped shape the research, analysis, and manuscript. W.I.K contributed to the manuscript revision. S.AH supervised the research project, provided guidance throughout the study, and critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors contributed to the writing of the manuscript, read, and approved the final manuscript.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe would like to thank Theqa team for their support and assistance throughout the study. Data Collection Group:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMahmoud Salem Aloudat\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e, Manar Bassam Omaira\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e, Rabah Suhail Baghdadi\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e, Hala Jafa\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e, Tuka Hamasho\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e, George\u0026nbsp;Moayad\u0026nbsp;Hneino\u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003e,\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 Faculty of Medicine, Hama University, Hama, Syria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 Faculty of Medicine, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHassan EWE, Taisan AAA, Abualhommos AK. Knowledge and practices concerning the storage and disposal of home medications among people in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Saudi Pharm journal: SPJ : official publication Saudi Pharm Soc. 2022;30(2):172\u0026ndash;9. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2021.12.010\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.jsps.2021.12.010\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWoldeyohanins AE, Adugna M, Mihret T, Kifle ZD. (2021). Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Unused Medications Disposal among Patients Visiting Public Health Centers in Gondar Town, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of environmental and public health, 2021, 5074380. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5074380\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1155/2021/5074380\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlAzmi A, AlHamdan H, Abualezz R, Bahadig F, Abonofal N, Osman M. (2017). Patients' Knowledge and Attitude toward the Disposal of Medications. Journal of pharmaceutics, 2017, 8516741. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8516741\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1155/2017/8516741\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaut Kusturica M, Tomas A, Sabo A. Disposal of Unused Drugs: Knowledge and Behavior Among People Around the World. Rev Environ Contam Toxicol. 2017;240:71\u0026ndash;104. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1007/398_2016_3\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1007/398_2016_3\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorre KSL, Ort C, Kateley D, Allen B, Escher BI, Keller J. Consumption-based approach for assessing the contribution of hospitals towards the load of pharmaceutical residues in municipal wastewater. Environ Int. 2012;45:99\u0026ndash;111. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2012.03.008\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.envint.2012.03.008\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBanwat SB, Auta A, Dayom DW, Buba Z. Assessment of the storage and disposal of medicines in some homes in Jos north local government area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Trop J Pharm Res. 2016;15(5):989. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v15i5.13\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.4314/tjpr.v15i5.13\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmoabeng IA, Otoo BA, Darko G, Borquaye LS. (2022). Disposal of Unused and Expired Medicines within the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Journal of environmental and public health, 2022, 6113346. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6113346\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1155/2022/6113346\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAl-Shareef F, El-Asrar SA, Al-Bakr L, et al. Investigating the disposal of expired and unused medication in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. Int J Clin Pharm. 2016;38:822\u0026ndash;8. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-016-0287-4\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1007/s11096-016-0287-4\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAl Ruwaili N, Balushi A, Alharf A, AlShaharani A, Eldali H, A. Do parents in Saudi Arabia store medications safely? Int J Pediat Adolesc Med. 2014;1(1):21\u0026ndash;5. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2014.09.003\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.ijpam.2014.09.003\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRistic\u0026acute; G, \u0026ETH;ordevic\u0026acute; A, Hristov S. 2016. A regional model for household pharmaceutical waste management. Proc. Inst. Civil Eng. - Waste Resource Manage. 169 (4), 191\u0026ndash;199.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNaser AY, Amara N, Dagash A, Naddaf A. Medications disposal and medications storage in Jordan: A cross-sectional study. Int J Clin Pract. 2021;75:1\u0026ndash;8.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJafarzadeh A, Mahboub-Ahari A, Najafi M, Yousefi M, Dalal K. Medicine storage, wastage, and associated determinants among urban households: a systematic review and meta-analysis of household surveys. BMC Public Health. 2021;21(1). \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11100-4\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1186/s12889-021-11100-4\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRawan NK, Abdelwahed M, Jassem A, Alyousbashi. Self-Medication Practices, Prevalence, and Associated Factors among Syrian Adult Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study, Journal of Environmental and Public Health, vol. 2022, Article ID 9274610, 7 pages, 2022. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9274610\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1155/2022/9274610\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFarid S. Fertility Patterns in the Arab Region. Int Fam Plan Perspect. 1984;10(4):119\u0026ndash;25. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.2307/2948061\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.2307/2948061\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInternational Journal of Caring Sciences January-April. 2022 Volume 15 | Issue 1| Page 478 www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePersson M, Sabelstr\u0026ouml;m E, Gunnarsson B. Handling of unused prescription drugs \u0026mdash; knowledge, behaviour and attitude among Swedish people. Environ Int. 2009;35(5):771\u0026ndash;4. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2008.10.002\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.envint.2008.10.002\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYousif MA. In-home drug storage and utilization habits: a Sudanese study. East Mediterr Health J 2002 Mar-May;8(2\u0026ndash;3):422\u0026ndash;31. PMID: 15339133.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKahsay H, Ahmedin M, Kebede B, Gebrezihar K, Araya H, Tesfay D. (2020). Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and disposal practice of unused and expired pharmaceuticals in community of Adigrat City, Northern Ethiopia. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2020, 1\u0026ndash;11. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6725423\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1155/2020/6725423\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKoshok MI, Jan TK, Al-Tawil SM, Alghamdi EA, Ali A, Sobh AHM, Gamal ME, a. M. Awareness of home drug storage and utilization habits: Saudi study. Med Sci | Int Med J. 2017;6(4):1. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.5455/medscience.2017.06.8687\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.5455/medscience.2017.06.8687\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbdelwahed RNK, Jassem M, Alyousbashi A. (2022). Self-Medication Practices, Prevalence, and Associated Factors among Syrian Adult Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022, 1\u0026ndash;7. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9274610\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1155/2022/9274610\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJha N, Kafle S, Bhandary S, Shankar PR. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of disposing and storing unused and expired medicines among the communities of Kathmandu, Nepal. PLoS ONE. 2022;17(8):e0272635. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272635\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1371/journal.pone.0272635\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Supplementary Files","content":"\u003cp\u003eSupplementary File 1 is not available with this version.\u003c/p\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Medication Safety, Medication Disposal, Home Medication Storage, Syria","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4714675/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4714675/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedications are commonly found in every household. Improper storage can alter their effectiveness and usability, while inappropriate disposal negatively impacts the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and practices of Syrian individuals regarding the appropriate storage and disposal of home medications.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethod\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study was conducted from September 22 to October 20, 2023, using an online survey distributed via social media apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram) in Syria. The questionnaire, adapted from a similar study in Saudi Arabia, was translated to Arabic using the forward-backward translation technique. A convenience sampling technique was used. Validity and reliability were confirmed through a pilot study with 50 participants (Cronbach's alpha\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.7). Inclusion criteria were participants over eighteen with expired or unused medications at home. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 27, with statistical significance defined as p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of 2,217 responses were collected. The findings revealed that 87% of respondents dispose of expired medications in the garbage, and 95% keep medications in their original containers. Additionally, 30% consult pharmacists for storage instructions, and 64% read the storage information on medication leaflets. There was no significant difference in responses between medical professionals and the general population.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study highlights a significant lack of awareness among the Syrian public regarding the proper storage and disposal of medications. Enhanced public education and awareness programs are essential to improve these practices.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Knowledge and Practices on Home Medication Storage and Disposal in Syria: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-08-05 09:27:54","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4714675/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2024-07-12T06:25:50+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2024-07-11T07:56:18+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2024-07-11T07:55:53+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Public Health","date":"2024-07-10T00:23:33+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"50d8d879-74d4-4a64-82f3-2d0dc7935495","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 5th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-09-09T16:10:58+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-4714675","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19981-x","journal":{"identity":"bmc-public-health","isVorOnly":false,"title":"BMC Public Health"},"publishedOn":"2024-09-06 15:57:10","publishedOnDateReadable":"September 6th, 2024"},"versionCreatedAt":"2024-08-05 09:27:54","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s12889-024-19981-x","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19981-x","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4714675","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4714675","identity":"rs-4714675","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}