Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (Propensity Score) using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index
Published on: January 8, 2020
Regional variation in prescribing for chronic conditions among an elderly population using a pharmacy claims database
C Naughton1, K Bennett, J Feely
1Dept Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Science, St James's Hospital, Dublin. naughtc@tcd.ie
Background:
Age, gender and geographical regions are recognised factors in inequalities in prescribing for chronic diseases in the elderly.
Aim:
To compare the health board regional distribution of chronic disease among the elderly and to examine variation in quality prescribing across age, gender and regions.
Methods:
Population based study of prescribing for chronic disease using a national pharmacy claims database. All individuals aged 70 years and over (n = 271,518) were eligible.
Results:
Over 60% of the elderly in all regions received cardiovascular related medication. The South Eastern, North Western and Western Health Boards had below average prescribing for many chronic conditions. Logistic regression identified age, gender and regional variations in prescribing of preventative therapies for CVD and diabetes.
Conclusion:
There is a high prevalence of prescribing for chronic conditions in the elderly in Ireland, and there is evidence of gender, age and residing health board inequalities in prescribing.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism