Abstract:
Introduction & Objective: Leftover medicines (LMs) are medicines that remain
unused or partially used after being dispensed. LM accumulation has become a
growing healthcare concern as it may lead to medication wastage, healthcare costs,
and finally led to treatment failure. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of
and identify the factors associated with the LMs.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 580
different clinic patients attending Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, in 2026 and stratified
random sampling was adopted. Data were collected through an intervieweradministered
questionnaire for patient’s information and medications information
was extracted from clinical records.
Results: The median participant age was 58 years (IQR: 44–68), and 59% were
female. The prevalence of LMs was 82%. Tablets and capsules were the most
common dosage form (83%). Among 17 therapeutic categories, antihypertensive
(15%), and analgesic (12%) medicines were the most common LMs. The major
reasons were cognitive-related medication non-adherence (36%), obtaining
medicines beyond clinical need (23%), and reductions in prescribed doses (13%).
LMs were significantly associated with age >60 years, below secondary education,
unemployment, chronic disease, follow-up intervals >2 months, disease duration >4
years, and prescription of >5 medicines (p < 0.001). Adverse effects (p = 0.002) and
poor understanding of medication instructions (p = 0.005) were also significantly
associated.
Conclusion: LMs were highly prevalent and significantly associated with several
socio demographic factors. Study reveals the importance of structured medication
reconciliation and patient counselling during follow-up visits.
