Related Experiment Videos
Polypharmacy among older men in South Wales
H F Thomas1, P M Sweetnam, B Janchawee
1MRC Epidemiology Unit (South Wales), Llandough Hospital, Penarth, UK.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|August 24, 1999
Summary
Polypharmacy is common in older men and linked to health issues. Reducing medication use is advised due to potential adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Polypharmacy (PP) is prevalent in older populations.
- Understanding factors associated with PP is crucial for health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe polypharmacy patterns in older men.
- To identify personal, social, and medical factors associated with medication use.
Main Methods:
- A community survey (Caerphilly prospective study) collected medication data (prescribed and OTC) from 1906 men (aged 56-75).
- Data on personal, social, and medical factors were gathered via questionnaires and medical examinations.
- Medication use was correlated with collected questionnaire and biological data.
Main Results:
- A quarter of men used ≥3 prescription-only medicines (PoMs), with 9% using ≥5 (major PP).
- PP correlated with increased age, lower social class, unemployment, smoking, and obesity.
- Medical history (hypertension, angina, heart attack) and recent hospital admissions were linked to major PP.
- Men on PP reported poorer self-rated health and higher non-PoM use. Cardiovascular drugs were primary contributors to major PP.
Conclusions:
- Polypharmacy is common in men aged 56-75 in Caerphilly, South Wales.
- PP is associated with various personal, social, and medical factors, and reduced self-rated health.
- Cardiovascular medications are the main drivers of major PP; regular review and reduction are recommended due to adverse effects.