Risk factors for adverse drug events in older adults with mobility limitations in the community setting.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate risk factors for self-reported adverse drug events (ADEs) in a cohort of annually surveyed Iowa Medicare beneficiaries with mobility limitations.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study with baseline and two annual follow-up questionnaires.


METHODS
Population-based sample of Iowa Medicare beneficiaries with mobility limitations.


METHODS
Members of the cohort with complete follow-up questionnaires and prescription dispensing data (N=689).


METHODS
The questionnaires asked about self-reported ADEs in the previous 12 months, sociodemographic data, smoking, alcohol use, number of mobility limitations, and history of chronic disease. Pharmacy dispensing records were the source of number and classes of prescription drug use. Linked Medicare claims provided additional comorbidity data.


RESULTS
Of the 689 subjects, 151 (21.9%) reported an ADE, 83% of which resulted in physician contact and 56% of which resulted in discontinuing the medication. Number of different medications dispensed during the prior year was an independent predictor of a self-reported ADE. Neither age, extent of mobility limitation, nor number of chronic conditions was independently associated with reporting an ADE.


CONCLUSIONS
Excess ADE risk observed with increasing mobility limitations is mediated through greater medication use.
Chrischilles
Elizabeth
E
Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. e-chrischilles@uiowa.edu
Rubenstein
Linda
L
Van Gilder
Rachel
R
Voelker
Margaret
M
Wright
Kara
K
Wallace
Robert
R
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D006278:Medicare; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires