Polypharmacy and the Use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Elderly People in Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) are prevalent issues among institutionalized older adults, contributing to adverse drug events and decreased quality of life. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with polypharmacy and the use of PIM in elderly people in nursing homes. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 151 residents aged ≥ 65 years. Data was extracted from institutional records. The mean age of participants was 86.48 ± 8.00 years; 71.5% were female. Excessive polypharmacy was observed in 49.7% of residents. The mean number of medications was 9.66 ± 4.18, with nervous system drugs being the most prescribed (3.73 ± 2.31). PDDIs were detected in 94% of the sample and PIMs were present in 82.8% of residents. The most common PIMs were proton pump inhibitors (ATC A) and anxiolytics (ATC N). Binary logistic regression identified two independent predictors for PIMs: the total number of medications (AOR = 1.259) and the use of ATC A (Alimentary tract and metabolism) medications (AOR = 2.315). Conversely, age and sex were not significant predictors. The study reveals a critical prevalence of excessive polypharmacy, PIM use, and PDDIs among institutionalized elderly in the Algarve. These findings underscore the urgent need for systematic, multidisciplinary medication reviews in Portuguese nursing homes to promote safer and more rational prescribing practices.
Source: Journal of Ageing and Longevity
DOI: 10.3390/jal5040054
Institutions: University of Algarve, Algarve Biomedical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W4416998820