In-home drug storage and utilization habits: a Sudanese study

Abstract

Community drug-use habits were studied in 469 household units in different areas of Sudan. About 97.7% of the investigated families had at least one drug product stored at home. The study revealed a high rate of self-medication [46.9%], repeated use of unfinished stored drugs [55.0%], a high rate of drug exchange among families [59.3%] and poor compliance [71.2%]. In Sudan there is still a great need to educate and to motivate the general public regarding the principles of rational drug use in order to safeguard health and avoid economic losses.