[Use of medicines by the elderly in a Family Health Program unit in Brazil].
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.
Marin
Maria José Sanches
MJ
Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, Brazil.
Cecílio
Luiz Carlos de Oliveira
LC
Perez
Alexandre Eduardo W Ugolini Ferrazoli
AE
Santella
Fernando
F
Silva
Camila Batista Andrade
CB
Gonçalves Filho
José Roberto
JR
Roceti
Lidiane Cola
LC
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
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D055553:Prescription Drugs