Knowledge-Practice Gap in Household Medication Safety: Insights from Pharm. D Academia in South India

Background

The safety of medications used in households and the problem of polypharmacy are becoming increasingly important public health issues in India, especially in environments where informal practices, a lack of awareness, and unregulated access to medications continue to exist, even among those with formal healthcare training.

Purpose

This research sought to examine the safety practices associated with household medications and to evaluate the understanding of polypharmacy among Pharm. D students and faculty in the Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh.

Materials and Methods

Community-oriented cross-sectional research was carried out utilising an online semi-structured questionnaire, employing purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data collection occurred over two weeks in June 2025, involving 490 participants. The instrument evaluated awareness, practices, and beliefs related to medication storage, disposal, self-medication, and polypharmacy.

Results

Faculty members exhibited markedly greater awareness scores compared to students (p<0.001). A robust correlation (r=0.88) was identified between awareness and safe practices. Nevertheless, only 55.7% consistently verified expiry dates, while 46% did not acknowledge the risks associated with reusing outdated prescriptions. Almost half of the participants harboured misconceptions about herbal-drug interactions and the dangers of over-the-counter medications, underscoring the prevalence of unsafe beliefs.

Conclusion

Despite the academic training received, there were clear gaps between knowledge and practice, influenced by behavioural norms, limitations within the curriculum, and various environmental factors. Targeted interventions such as the integration of curriculum, hands-on training, the use of digital tools, and involvement with the community are essential for enhancing medication safety and tackling polypharmacy in household environments.