Prevalence of polypharmacy and drug interactions in geriatric patients: A cross-sectional study from India
Abstract
Background: Polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) are major challenges in the management of elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, often leading to adverse drug events and increased healthcare burden.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of polypharmacy and pDDIs among elderly patients attending Yenepoya Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, India.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2023 among 310 elderly patients (aged ≥60 years) selected through simple random sampling from both in-patient and out-patient departments. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of ≥5 medications, and excessive polypharmacy as ≥9 medications. Drug interaction screening was performed using UpToDate and Medscape interaction checker tools. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of polypharmacy was slightly higher in females (53.84%) than males (51.94%), with the highest rates observed in the 70-79 age group (48.88%). Most patients experienced moderate (50%) drug interactions. A significant gender difference was observed in the number of drugs prescribed at treatment (p = 0.0032), but not at discharge. Regression analysis identified gender (p = 0.018) and inpatient status (p < 0.001) as significant predictors of polypharmacy, while age was not (p = 0.719).
Conclusion: This study…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 310 participants or records.
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