Chronic diseases
are common among the older population, the rate of drug related problems
and inappropriate medication use in the elderly is disturbing. The
heavy use of medications in this population has increased. The rate of
drug interactions decreased the quality of life, and the financial
consequences of the problem are enormous. Information about polypharmacy
and pattern of drug use by community dwelling elderly is scant.
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and
factors affecting it among home-dwelling elderly Palestinians in the
Northern West Bank districts, aged 65 years or over by using a
crosssectional study (n=317). Elderly were defined for the purpose of
this study as those who are aged ? 65, Polypharmacy was defined as the
concomitant use of 5 or more medications. Results found that the percent
prevalence of polypharmacy among the study population of the three
districts (Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin) is 41%. Mean number of
medications used by each elder of the study population was 4.48 (SD
2.249).
The commonest disease affecting elderly is hypertension, followed by
joint diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. The
study’s findings showed that polypharmacy is affected significantly by
gender (p = 0.015), no statistically significant relationship between
polypharmacy and other factors (Age, place of residence, marital
status, level of education, and income).
The study also showed that elderly patients are unaware of consequences
of polypharmacy; (non-adherence, medication errors, adverse drug
reactions, drug-drug interactions, increased risk of hospitalization,
and increased cost of treatment).
The study results showed that medication counseling is mainly done by
physicians, whith pharmacists or nurses. Prescribers need to be aware
of increasing polypharmacy. Regular assessment of indications is needed
to avoid overuse of drugs.
Geriatric knowledge is needed to support health centers and specialized
units in this demanding task. Community pharmacists’ role in reducing
this phenomenon needs to be enhanced. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists,
and all health providers who have a direct contact with the elders
should be aware of polypharmacy, they should work as a team to educate
community elderly about consequences of polypharmacy.
Polypharmacy is a complex and worrying phenomenon that merits more
research.