Posibles interacciones medicamentosas y factores asociados en adultos mayores de centros gerontológicos Cuenca 2020

Abstract

Background. The elderly are a vulnerable population group that has grown in recent years due to the decrease in mortality and birth rates. In this context, it is important to analyze their problems, where one of the most delicate is polypharmacy and drug interactions, this due to multiple pathologies typical of older adults.

Objective. Identify the possible drug interactions and associated factors in older adults from Cuenca 2020 gerontological centers.

Methodological design. It is a cross-sectional analytical study, the information was collected in a form where the study variables related to sociodemographic and clinical data and the use of medications in the elderly were counted. Statistical analysis was performed with the Epi Info 07 and SPSS 24 programs; The results are shown in the relevant tables.

Results. The participants had a mean age of = 85.24 years; DS = 10.96; 48.2% presented depression and 86.4% had some degree of cognitive deterioration according to; the prevalence of a possible drug interaction was 73.63%; depression was a risk factor (P = 0.004; OR = 4.13; CI = 1.5-10.7); using less than 5 drugs constituted a protective factor (P = 0.000; OR = 0.66; CI = 0.57-0.77); polypharmacy is presented as a risk factor for possible drug interactions (P = 0.000; OR = 9.70; CI = 2.42-38.7).

Conclusions. An association was found between a possible drug interaction with depression, using more than 5 drugs, and polypharmacy. It was also more frequent in women and older adults with advanced ages.