VALIDATION OF THE RIALMEH QUESTIONNAIRE TO MEASURE THE RISK IN STORING ANTIBIOTICS IN HOMES

https://doi.org/10.56274/rcs.2025.4.1.55

Abstract

Introduction: The inadequate storage of antibiotics poses a health risk; there are instruments that measure the sensitivity and the temperature at which drugs should be stored, but these are aimed at pharmaceutical companies; a valid and reliable instrument is needed to measure storage in homes. Objective: To design and validate the RIALMEH questionnaire to evaluate risk practices in the storage of antibiotics in homes. Materials and methods: Quantitative study carried out in Mérida, Mexico; 10 experts in educational innovation, public health, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and medicine, with experience in antibiotics, construction of instruments, and research methodology, participated in the Delphi method. In the pilot study, 317 people were sampled using a non-probabilistic, convenience, and quota sampling; the Cronbach alpha test and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test with Varimax rotation were used. Results: The RIALMEH questionnaire contains 3 components and 10 items; the experts evaluated it on three occasions; with a maximum score of 5, the average fluctuated between 3.3 and 4.6, 4.3 and 4.9, and 5 respectively; Cronbach's alpha was 0.77 and the KMO test .547, both acceptable. Conclusions: The RIALMEH questionnaire is valid and reliable for assessing risk practices in the storage of antibiotics in homes; it is useful for disciplines related to public health.