Prevalence and Predictors of Polypharmacy and Medication Adherence among Elderly Patients in Benghazi - Libya.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37376/benunivmedj.v2i1.7363Keywords:
polypharmacy, medication adherence, elderly, Benghazi, comorbiditiesAbstract
Background: Polypharmacy is the simultaneous use of five or more prescription medications and its global prevalence is estimated to be 37% and even higher among the elderly. Variable factors could lead to polypharmacy; either related to health-care providers or patients. It is often associated with several negative health and economical outcomes, especially among older patients.
Aim: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with polypharmacy and medication adherence among elderly patients in Benghazi, Libya.
Method: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted for a period of five months among elderly patients in Benghazi. The data from 100 subjects was collected through a face-to-face interview using a questionnaire that consisted of two main domains; demographic data (e.g. gender, age, nationality) and clinical data (e.g. number of drugs taken regularly, self-medication, level of drug compliance).
Results: Polypharmacy was observed in 32% of the cases and it was associated with some factors such as older age, certain types of marital status, lower education level and recent hospital/emergency admission. Most of the participants scored low (67%) for the Morisky medication adherence scale followed by medium (21%) and high scores (12%), respectively.
Conclusion: Elderly patients in Benghazi frequently used five or more prescription medications at the same time and mostly did not adhere well to their treatment regimens. These problems could be addressed through several strategies such as continuously assessing patients’ medication regimens and providing extensive patient education.
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