Polypharmacy and Related Factors in Geriatric Outpatients
Journal Title: European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology - Year 2019, Vol 1, Issue 2
Abstract
Objective: The term “polypharmacy” is defined as the usage of multiple medications or more medications than are clinically indicated. Older people tend to have several chronic diseases and prescriptions for these conditions. Polypharmacy is associated with significant consequences such as adverse drug reactions, medication nonadherence, drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, and increased risk of geriatric syndromes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between polypharmacy and common geriatric syndromes. Materials and Methods: Three-hundred individuals ≥60 years of age admitted to İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Geriatrics outpatient clinic between 2013-2016 were recruited to the study. Patients’ data about the number of prescribed drugs, falls (in the preceding year), urinary incontinence, constipation, presence of malnutrition, sleep disorders and functionality were noted. Polypharmacy was defined as the usage of four or more medications. Results: The study was consisted of 198 (66.8%) women and 102 (33.2%) men with mean age of 76.5±6.7 years. The prevalence of polypharmacy was 82.7%. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to examine the relationship between polypharmacy and other geriatric syndromes. In regression analysis, polypharmacy was found to be independently associated with sleep disorders [Odds ratio (OR): 2.21, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.15-4.24, p=0.016] and urinary incontinence (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.21-5.27, p=0.013). Conclusion: Polypharmacy is an important health problem among older adults, which is frequently associated with inappropriate medication use, increased risk of adverse drug reactions, and poor health outcomes. In this study, sleep disorders and urinary incontinence were found to be independently associated with polypharmacy. Clinicians should consider polypharmacy and related risks when prescribing medications for older adults.
Authors and Affiliations
Pınar Küçükdağlı
Keywords
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- EP ID EP549072
- DOI 10.4274/ejgg.galenos.2019.144
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