RESUMO
Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use is a serious public health problem in older adults because it may lead to adverse events. The purpose of the current study was to explore PIM use in rural, community-dwelling older adults. Participants (N = 138) underwent one-on-one medication reviews. Approximately one half (49%) of the sample used prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) PIM. Prescribed and OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (33%) and anticholinergic medications (28%) were the most frequently used PIM. Use of PIM was associated with a higher number of medications (r = 0.331, p < 0.01), more medical providers (r = 0.223, p < 0.001), and poor physical health (r = -0.193, p < 0.05). Higher number of medications increased the probability of PIM use by 85% (odds ratio: 1.8; 95% confidence interval [1.19, 2.84]). Findings highlight the importance of re-evaluating the monitoring of medications in rural, community-dwelling older adults and the need for sustainable interventions to reduce prescribing and OTC PIM use. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(9), 21-30.].
Assuntos
Vida Independente/psicologia , Vida Independente/estatística & dados numéricos , Erros de Medicação/psicologia , Erros de Medicação/estatística & dados numéricos , Medicamentos sem Prescrição , Medicamentos sob Prescrição , População Rural/estatística & dados numéricos , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Lista de Medicamentos Potencialmente InapropriadosRESUMO
Adverse drug events (ADEs) impact the health and safety of older adults. ADEs may lead to unplanned medical visits that influence health and related costs. The purpose of this study was to explore ADEs reported by rural, community-dwelling older adults. Data were collected on 138 participants' demographics, physical and mental health, sleep, medications, and ADEs. One or more ADEs were reported by 48% of participants, including central nervous symptom disturbances (16%), dry mouth (12%), hoarseness, gastrointestinal irritation, and decreased libido (all 8%). Poor sleep and poor physical health were associated with higher reported ADEs (p < 0.05). Older adults (ages 79-99) and those with higher physical health were 60% less likely to report ADEs. Those with poorer sleep quality were 50% more likely to report ADEs. Viable strategies are needed to monitor and reduce ADEs in community-dwelling older adults who use multiple medications to manage poor health and poor sleep.