Evaluation of Drug Storage Practices in Households of Patients with Chronic Diseases in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Background: Improper drug storage at the household level contributes to medication degradation, accidental poisoning, and inappropriate use of leftover medicines. Patients with chronic diseases often maintain large household drug stocks, increasing exposure to these risks. This study evaluated household drug storage practices among patients managing chronic diseases in Sokoto metropolis. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study involved 240 patients attending chronic disease clinics (hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy) at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. A structured questionnaire and physical observation checklist assessed storage location, conditions, organisation, and awareness of expiry dates. Results: Only 34 percent of households stored medications in conditions consistent with manufacturer recommendations (cool, dry, and dark locations). Drugs were frequently stored in kitchens (41%) and exposed to direct sunlight in 28 percent of homes. Awareness of expiry dates was high (71%), but appropriate disposal of expired drugs was practised by only 19 percent of respondents. Conclusion: Drug storage practices among chronic disease patients in Sokoto are largely inadequate. Patient counselling at dispensing points should explicitly include storage instructions, and community-level interventions are necessary to promote safe medication management. Keywords: drug storage, household medication, chronic disease, Sokoto, patient counselling