title: [Use of medicines by the elderly in a Family Health Program unit in Brazil].
abstract: The use of multiple medicines is frequent among the elderly. Although such practice is usually necessary, it predisposes to risks of adverse events and drug interaction. The present study was intended to verify the characteristics of medication among the elderly in relation to socio-demographic profile, the most commonly used drug classes, and treatment adherence. This was a descriptive study that included 301 elderly in the coverage area of a Family Health Program, using a previously structure home interview. The sample was predominantly female, with a high illiteracy rate and alterations in cognitive status and various forms of dependency. The subjects showed an average of 2.5 diagnoses and used 2.9 drugs per individual. Some of the drugs are classified as high-risk for the age bracket. Treatment adherence data showed dependence on others for administration, self-medication, forgetfulness in relation to medication, and insufficient knowledge of the drugs taken. Systematic follow-up is needed for elderly persons using multiple medicines, in addition to encouragement for non-pharmaceutical measures and an emphasis on educational measures for lifestyle change, backed by a multidisciplinary team.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria José Sanches
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Marin
authors.forename: Luiz Carlos de Oliveira
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Cecílio
authors.forename: Alexandre Eduardo W Ugolini Ferrazoli
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Santella
authors.forename: Camila Batista Andrade
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: José Roberto
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gonçalves Filho
authors.forename: Lidiane Cola
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Roceti
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019338:Polypharmacy; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D055553:Prescription Drugs