Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older People: A Crosssectional Study Using Beers Criteria

Abstract

Background: The use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) is common and negatively affects elderly health and disease prognosis. Objective: This study aims to analyze the frequency of PIMs in the elderly health records registered to a family health center and to identify risk factors, prescription/nonprescription distribution, distribution by healthcare institutions, number of doctors visits, and health literacy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a stratified sampling method was used to select individuals aged >= 65 years. The health records of the participants up to the last 12 months were examined, and medicines used by participants were evaluated according to Beers 2019 criteria. Results: Most of the participants (89.7%, n:183) had PIMs in health records. The mean number of PIMs used by the elderly was 2.9 +/- 1.9 (min:0, max:8). A positive linear relationship was observed between multimorbidity and the number of PIMs (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of PIMs frequency among healthcare institutions. Prescription and non-prescription PIMs were found to belong to the same drug groups (Pain relievers and stomach medications). A linear and significant correlation was found between the number of PIMs and doctor visits (p=0.047). Conclusion: The doctor should examine prescription and over-the-counter medications used by the elderly during the visit. It will be useful to establish a warning system stating that PIMs are available while registering the medications in the electronic system. So, it will be possible for health authorities to re-evaluate the treatment and replace PIMs with rational drug options.