Overview of Medication Storage and Disposal Practices Among Housewives in Nogo Rejo Village

Background: Medication management at the household level is essential for ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of drug use. Inappropriate medication storage and disposal practices may reduce drug stability and potency and may also pose potential risks to human health and the environment. Homemakers play an important role as the primary managers of medications within the family; therefore, their knowledge and practices regarding household medication management need to be examined. Objective: This study aimed to describe medication storage and disposal practices, assess homemakers' knowledge of proper medication storage and disposal, and explore the relationship between knowledge and household medication management practices in Hamlet I, Nogo Rejo Village. Methods: This study employed a descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms as the primary instrument, supported by limited observations. A total of 31 homemakers participated in the study and were selected based on the principle of data saturation. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Results: The findings showed that medication storage practices varied among respondents, whereas medication disposal practices were largely inconsistent with the principles of safe medication management. In total, 80.6% of respondents disposed of expired medications in household trash, and 61.3% reported that they did not know the correct method for medication disposal. The study also identified a knowledge-practice gap in household medication management. Conclusion: This study indicates that some medication storage practices were appropriate; however, medication disposal practices and practical knowledge regarding household medication management still need to be improved. Educational interventions are necessary to enhance public awareness and promote safer medication storage and disposal practices at the household level.