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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Use of potentially inappropriate medication by the elderly in São Paulo, Brazil: SABE Study

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Author(s):
Teresa Cristina Jahn Cassoni [1] ; Ligiana Pires Corona [2] ; Nicolina Silvana Romano-Lieber [3] ; Silvia Regina Secoli [4] ; Yeda Aparecida de Oliveira Duarte [5] ; Maria Lúcia Lebrão [6]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Pública - Brasil
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Pública - Brasil
[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Pública - Brasil
[4] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem - Brasil
[5] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem - Brasil
[6] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Pública - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: Cadernos de Saúde Pública; v. 30, n. 8, p. 1708-1720, 2014-08-00.
Abstract

Various medicines are considered unsuitable for older adults due to alterations in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, lack of therapeutic efficacy, and/or increased risk of adverse events exceeding potential benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication among older adults in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 1,254 individuals aged 60 years or older (participants in the SABE Study), representing the elderly population of the city in 2006. Potentially inappropriate medication was defined according to the Beers criteria. Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication was 28%. Potentially inappropriate medication was associated with polypharmacy (p = 0.001), two or more diseases (p = 0.011), and female gender (p = 0.007). Thirty-six potentially inappropriate medicines were identified, the majority of which involving prescription medications. Specific criteria are needed for the Brazilian population, in addition to awareness-raising on clinical pharmacology in older adults. Prescription protocols and software programs could assist in the process of rational prescribing in this age group. (AU)