Risk factors for medication misadventure among residents in sheltered housing complexes.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors for unplanned hospitalizations among residents of sheltered housing complexes (SHCs).


METHODS
Medication-related risk factors for health outcomes among residents of SHCs in Aberdeen (n = 1137) were assessed using a postal questionnaire. Predictors of unplanned hospitalization/emergency department (ED) visit were identified using logistic regression.


RESULTS
Of the 695 (61.1%) responses received, 645 were from residents (mean age 78.2 years) using prescribed medications. One or more risk factors for medication-related problems was seen in 467 (72.4%) respondents; 488 (75.7%) were using medications with high potential for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the elderly. Unplanned hospitalizations/ED visits (n = 230) were found to be associated with use of drugs of narrow therapeutic index [P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69, 5.28]; use of five or more different medications (P = 0.001; OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.34, 3.31); and greater disability (Townsend score) (P = 0.005; OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02, 1.11).


CONCLUSIONS
Residents of SHCs using drugs of narrow therapeutic index, using five or more different medications, and with greater disability warrant periodic monitoring.
George
Johnson
J
School of Pharmacy, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK. j.george@rgu.ac.uk
Munro
Kim
K
McCaig
Dorothy
D
Stewart
Derek
D
D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001519:Behavior; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000639:trends; D016852:Housing for the Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors