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Risk factors for drug therapy problems among Cambodian Americans with complex needs: a cross-sectional, observational
Julie A Wagner1, Angela Bermudez-Millan2, S Megan Berthold3
1Behavioral Sciences and Community Health, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
Background:
Pharmaceutical drug therapy problems (DTPs) are a major public health problem. We examined patient-level risk factors for DTPs among Cambodian Americans.
Methods:
Community health workers (CHWs) verbally administered surveys and completed a detailed medication review form with participants. A doctoral-level pharmacist reviewed the form with the patient and CHW to determine DTP number and type (appropriateness, effectiveness, safety, and adherence).
Results:
Participants (n = 63) averaged 55 years old, 6 years of education, 52% were married, 87% spoke Khmer at home, with modal household income <$20,000 (41%). The percentage of participants with DTPs was: 45% appropriateness, 25% effectiveness, 64% safety, and 30% adherence, averaging 3.7 DTPs per patient. In multiple regressions, patient characteristics uniquely predicted each type of DTP. In a multiple regression controlling for number of medications, being married reduced total DTPs (IRR = 0.70) and being depressed increased total DTPs (IRR = 1.26).
Conclusions:
Vulnerable patients should be prioritized for pharmacist/CHW teams to identify DTPs.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02502929.
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