Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality Attributable to Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use Among Primary...

Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use is a global challenge. The World Health Organization's 2017 Medication Without Harm initiative set a target to reduce medication-related harm by 50% within five years. However, trends and disease burden related to PIM use in China have remained unclear.

This study found that from 2015 to 2023, the prevalence of PIM use and the associated cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity nearly halved. Nonetheless, substantial disparities persist across sex, age, urban-rural status, and geographic region. Inner Mongolia and Tianjin exhibited the most pronounced reductions after 2018.

Develop population-based systems to monitor medication use. Integrate rational-use training and public education into essential public health services, and strengthen implementation at the primary care level, particularly in northern and northeastern provinces.