Use of potentially inappropriate medications by older adults in Primary Health Care: cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective To verify the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in use and possible associated factors in older adults and the agreement between two assessment tool in Primary Health Care (PHC) contex Methods Cross-sectional study. The prevalence of older adults in use of PIM and associated factors were estimated. First of all was calculated the frequency of drugs, among those used, considered PIM. Classification as PIM was based on the 2019 Beers Criteria and the 2016 Brazilian Consensus on Potentially Inappropriate Medications 2016 (BCPIM) for the older adults. The agreement between the two classifications was also evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression models were estimated. Association was evaluated by Odds Ratio (OR). Kappa was calculated for agreement between both classifications. Results The prevalence of older adults using MPI was 32.9%, according to Beers Criteria and 27.6% according to the BCPIM. The reports of diabetes (OR=1.96), depression (OR=2.25) and polypharmacy (OR=4.11) were associated (p<0.001) with the use of inappropriate medication, according to the Beers Criteria. Older adults who were very satisfied with their own health were less likely to use inappropriate medication both according to the Beers Criteria (OR=0.02) and the BCPIM (OR=0.09). Agreement between classifications was considered good (k=0.75, p<0.001). Conclusion Reports of diabetes and depression, polypharmacy and negative self-rated health and satisfaction were associated with PIM’s use. The associations were similar between the two classifications, indicating that both are relevant in identifying PIM use in older adults in the context of PHC.