Services on Demand
Journal
Article
Indicators
Cited by SciELO
Access statistics
Related links
Cited by Google
Similars in SciELO
Similars in Google
Share
Revista de la Universidad Industrial de Santander. Salud
Print version ISSN 0121-0807On-line version ISSN 2145-8464
Abstract
ALBARRACIN-RUIZ, María José et al. Association between polypharmacy and inappropriate prescription according to social class in older adults in Bucaramanga. Rev. Univ. Ind. Santander. Salud [online]. 2021, vol.53, e315. Epub Mar 11, 2022. ISSN 0121-0807. https://doi.org/10.18273/saluduis.53.e:21021.
Introduction:
Polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing have been related to multiple variables, including sociodemographic, however the evidence is limited and heterogeneous.
Objective:
To evaluate the association between polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing in adults over 60 years old according to their social class.
Material and methods:
A pilot cross-sectional population-based study in the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia, with a sample of 135 adults over 60 years old. A survey was conducted where sociodemographics, health status in the last month, comorbidities, drugs of chronic use and functionality according to scales were registered.
Results:
No statistical association was found between inappropriate prescribing and Polypharmacy amongst social class and education level (P=0.639). Nevertheless, having an affiliation with a subsidized social security system was significantly associated with infra prescription (P <0.029). The existence of monthly income was associated with the presence of polypharmacy (P <0.029) and inadequate prescribing (P <0.033).
Conclusions:
There exists an association between some socioeconomic variables, the number of practicing physicians and some medical specialties with polypharmacy and inadequate prescription of drugs.
Keywords : Polypharmacy; Aged; Social Class; Inappropriate Prescribing; Prevalence; Sickness Impact; Epidemiologic Factors; Medication Errors; Comorbidity; Frailty.