Polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications and associated factors among older adults with hypertension in primary care
Carine Teles Sangaleti, Maicon Henrique Lentsck, Dannyele Cristina da Silva, Andrielli Machado, Maria Regiane Trincaus, Maria Cristina Umpiérrez Vieira, Bruno Bordin Pelazza, Fernanda Marciano Consolim‐Colombo
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence and associations of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults with hypertension treated in primary care. METHODS: a cross-sectional study carried out with older adults with hypertension treated at a Family Health Strategy unit. Data collection included analysis of medical records, interviews and multidimensional assessment of older adults. Socio-demographic information and clinical variables were collected. Statistical analysis was performed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: polypharmacy prevalence was 38.09%, and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM), 28.57%. There was a significant association between polypharmacy and PIM use, altered sleep and ethnicity. PIM use was associated with polypharmacy, worse family functioning, and absence of a caregiver. Cognitive decline reduces the prevalence of these medications. CONCLUSIONS: polypharmacy and PIM use among older adults with hypertension represent a problem in this population, especially among the most vulnerable.