Prevalence, risk factors and health outcomes associated with polypharmacy among urban community-dwelling older adults in multi-ethnic Malaysia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Polypharmacy has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the older population.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors and health outcomes associated with polypharmacy in a cohort of urban community-dwelling older adults receiving chronic medications in Malaysia.

Methods

This was a baseline study in the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research cohort. The inclusion criteria were individuals aged ≥55years and taking at least one medication chronically (≥3 months). Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire during home visits where medications taken were reviewed. Health outcomes assessed were frequency of falls, functional disability, potential inappropriate medication use (PIMs), pot

SUBMITTER: Lim LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5342241 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature