Objective: To study the characteristics of first-aid kits used by families in the Rekaldeberri area of Bilbao (Spain) and their relationship with social and economic variables.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Participants: Households of 319 patients of the Health Center.
Measurements and main results: Interview with family and observation of first-aid kit used at home. A total number of 5170 medicines were computed with a median of 14 per household (range 1-58). More medicines were seen at households where a higher social prevailed. No relationship was found with respect to people over 65 or children under 7 nor with regard to the fact that some people were undergoing chronic treatment. The most represented anatomic & therapeutic groups are N (Central Nervous System): 19.7% and D (Dermatological): 19%. Expired medicines were found in 52.7% of the households. "Hazardous locations" were found in 3.4% of the households.
Conclusions: Our population stores-up large quantities of medicines. There is a population group, however, that does not even have a basic first-aid family kit capable of meeting primary needs. Counselling relative to expiration of medicines is thus required.