Investigating and Developing a Practical Domestic-Medication System of Public Health for Chinese Family

Abstract

(1) Background: The main research aim of this paper is to investigate the commonly stocked medicines in Chinese households. Firstly, a large number of questionnaires were collected to uncover the problem: most Chinese families have the habit of stocking their family medicine boxes. However, there is a lack of a standardized, systematic, and scientific list of household medicine stockpiles. As a result, there are major problems in stocking medicines in households: (1) There is little connection between the type and quantity of medicines stocked and real life; (2) The expiration date of medicines leads to misuse and waste of medicines; (3) The existing list of medicines can provide little help. (2) Methods: The preliminary drug stock list was summarized through case studies; the authenticity of the questions and the credibility of the list were verified through interviews; the number of different types of drugs and the relationship between the resident’s perception of the importance of drugs and their frequency of use was determined through questionnaires; the authenticity of the list was verified through interviews with senior doctors. (3) Results: We finally composed a scientific and practical list of common household medicines, developed a practical domestic-medication system for Chinese families, and conducted validation studies, which received the approval of senior doctors. (4) Conclusions: (1) Chinese families need to prepare medicines according to the actual composition of the family; (2) Chinese families need a scientific and systematic list of commonly prepared medicines; and (3) in addition to the types of medicines, it is also necessary to consider the number of individual types of medicines to be stocked.