Knowledge of Drug Expiry Dates and Storage Practices Among Household Medicine Cabinet Owners in Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria

The safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products are directly linked to appropriate storage conditions and adherence to expiry dates. Improper storage and the use of expired medicines in household settings present significant public health risks. This study assessed knowledge of drug expiry and storage practices among households in Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using a validated structured questionnaire administered to 320 household heads or primary caregivers selected through systematic random sampling across four districts. A physical inspection of household medicine cabinets was also conducted to corroborate self-reported data. Findings revealed that only 47 percent of respondents correctly understood the meaning of an expiry date, and 38 percent stored medicines in bathrooms or kitchens, exposing them to heat and humidity. Nearly 25 percent admitted to using medications past their labeled expiry date, citing economic constraints as the primary reason. Antibiotics and antipyretics were the most commonly stockpiled medicines. Knowledge was significantly better among respondents with higher formal education. The study highlights critical gaps in household medicine management and calls for community-based pharmaceutical education to improve drug storage awareness. Health policy recommendations include government-sponsored take-back programs for expired medications and improved product labeling in local languages relevant to Borno State communities. Keywords: drug expiry, storage practices, household medicines, Maiduguri, pharmaceutical safety