title: [Characterization of drugs prescribed to the elderly in the Family Health Strategy].
abstract: Considering that the elderly are heavy consumers of medications, with significant consequences for their living conditions, the current study was intended to analyze the characteristics of such drug prescription, using the indicators proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and to characterize the drug classes prescribed to them in four units under the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Marília, São Paulo State, Brazil. One family health unit (FHU) was selected by region of the city, and 100 patient charts were checked in FHU-A; 86 in B, 99 in C, and 97 in D. According to WHO drug prescription criteria, the results were similar to the recommended patterns except for drug prescription by generic name. In addition, there were significant differences between the family health units. The most frequently prescribed drug classes were for cardiovascular disorders. The health professionals showed a concern for adjusting drug prescription to rational-use criteria. However, there is a need for understanding the differences in prescription between units and a search for consensus, aimed at rational drug use.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, Brasil.
authors.forename: Camila Alves Paes de
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Maria José Sanches
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Marin
authors.forename: Milton
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marchioli
authors.forename: Bruno Henrique Magalhães
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Pizoletto
authors.forename: Rafael Varella dos
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Santos
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D019338:Polypharmacy; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014944:World Health Organization
chemical_list: D055553:Prescription Drugs