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Published on: February 14, 2014
[Factors associated with chronic drug consumption in the elderly]
J López-Torres Hidalgo1, R Cerdá Díaz, C Fernández Olano
1Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
Polypharmacy is common in non-institutionalized elderly individuals, with 75% taking chronic medications. Factors like female sex, widowhood, lower social status, older age, multiple illnesses, and disability significantly increase medication use.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Context:
- Assesses chronic drug intake in non-institutionalized elderly individuals.
- Identifies factors contributing to polypharmacy in this demographic.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of chronic drug intake among the elderly.
- To identify sociodemographic, health, and disability-related factors associated with polypharmacy.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional study of 1,015 elderly individuals in Spain revealed that 75% reported chronic medication use, averaging 3.17 drugs.
- Polypharmacy was significantly associated with female sex, widowhood, lower social status, advanced age, multiple illnesses, frequent healthcare utilization, physical dependence, depression, and cognitive impairment.
Impact:
- Highlights the high prevalence of polypharmacy in the elderly, influenced by sociodemographic factors, perceived health, and disability.
- Suggests that health professionals should consider these factors for rational drug prescription and management in the elderly population.
- Notes the significant consumption of peripheral vasodilators, questioning their therapeutic value.
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Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors

