Evaluation of the prevalence and influencing factors on poly-pharmacy among elderly patients - A review

The evaluation of adverse effects caused by poly-pharmacy (PHP) in patients, especially in the elderly group, is very important. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and factors affecting PHP in elderly patients. This study was conducted as a narrative review. Related articles were downloaded using reliable international databases and specialized mesh terms. Finally, the results of 29 articles were extracted based on the authors' names, study location, sample size, and key results. The findings of the study showed that the prevalence of PHP in the elderly was higher after discharge from the hospital than during hospitalization. In addition, the prevalence of PHP in the elderly who lived in care centers was higher than in those who lived at home. Based on the findings, there was a relationship between the source of obtaining information about drugs and the pattern of PHP consumption. The findings of the present study showed that PHP leads to serious complications in the elderly. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that some variables such as age, sex, health level, financial status, place of residence, type of disease, number of simultaneous diseases, hospitalization, duration of hospitalization, level of awareness of the elderly and their caregivers, the care place of elderly, and the number of visits of the elderly to the physician can be effective in the prevalence of PHP. Strategies such as choosing treatment goals for each patient in preventing unnecessary drug use, identifying at-risk groups, and periodically monitoring the benefits and side effects of drugs can be effective in reducing drug complications caused by PHP in the elderly.