Objective The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence rates, nature, and predictors of drug-related problems (DRPs) experienced in participants living at home in a rural Thailand. Method A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken during December 2015 to January 2016. Drug-related problems were identified within a rural township having a population of 5256 by means of home visits by pharmacists. All suspected cases were then assessed for severity and preventability by clinical specialists. Drug-related problems were categorized according to Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe classification (revised 2010).v.6.2 Results From a systematically recruited cohort of 359 participants, suspected DRPs were identified in 160 participants. After detailed reviews by clinical specialists, 141 cases (39.3%) were deemed to have DRPs. Types of DRPs with prevalence rates were the following: problems of treatment effectiveness (3.7% of DPRs), adverse reactions (15.3%), treatment cost (28.4%), nonadherence to drugs (42.1%), and poor drug storage (10.5%). The most common drug to involve DRPs was those treating cardiovascular disease, especially simvastatin. Conclusions Nearly half of community living participants experienced DRPs, especially nonadherence to drugs, and has implications for other rural elderly persons of low education attainment for similar rural economies around the globe. Appropriate interventions should focus on reducing polypharmacy, providing outreach programs, and rigorous pharmacovigilance.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to explore prevalence of health-related problems and identify factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among community-dwelling older adults (CDOAs) in rural Thailand. Methods: A total of 384 CDOAs with mean age of 71 years (SD = 7.6) were recruited. The Thai Ministry of Public Health’s comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) was used to measure the CDOAs’ health conditions in the primary care unit of community hospitals. HRQOL of the participants was assessed by using the EQ-5D questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the most common health-related problems were risk of glaucoma (89.6%) and hypertension (64.6%). The HRQOL were predicted by the incidence of falls (β = −0.076, P < .001), Timed Up and Go Test (β = −0.087, P < .001), and age (β = −0.667, P = .002). Discussion: This study highlighted the need to incorporate CGA in family practice, which included risk of falls assessment by measuring TUG test, fall prevention, and to provide resources for caring older adults at home which ultimately will improve CDOAs’ quality of life.

In diabetes patients, urban lifestyle has been concerned as one of the risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The aims of this study were to find out the prevalence and associated risk factors of PAD in type 2 diabetes patients who live in a non-urban community area. A total of 885 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled from six primary care units in the health network centered at Naresuan University Hospital, Phitsanulok, between May and June 2018. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was performed in all subjects using a vascular screening device. PAD was defined by an ABI value of 0.9 or lesser at least on one leg. The predictors of PAD were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of PAD was 7.2% among 884 evaluable patients. Diabetic neuropathy and a history of macrovascular complications were significant predictors of PAD.

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