Potentially Inappropriate Medications Use and Associated Factors Among Older Patients on Follow-Up at the Chronic Care Clinic of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia

Background

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) use often cause to poor health outcomes in older patients. There is a dearth of information on PIMS use in this population of patients seeking treatment at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Objective

To assess PIMs use and associated factors among older patients receiving follow-up treatment at the chronic care clinic of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study using medical records of 419 older patients was conducted. older patients, aged 65 years or older, treated in the ambulatory care clinic were included. Simple random sampling technique was used. PIMs use was identified by using the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria (AGS Beers Criteria) and Screening Tool of Older People's Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions Criteria and Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (STOPP/START) version 2 criteria. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with PIMs use. The strength of statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% CI. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 419 patients’ medical records were reviewed. Of these, 411 patients’ medical records fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for final analysis. About 56.9% (n= 234) of the study population was women. The prevalence of PIMs use was 28.5% and 18.5%, according to 2023 AGS Beers Criteria and STOPP/START version 2 criteria, respectively. In accordance with 2023 AGS Beers Criteria, male sex (aOR = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.10–2.87), diabetes mellitus (aOR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.19–0.62), and chronic kidney disease (aOR = 6.68; 95% CI, 2.55–9.32) were found to be the determining factors for PIMs use. According to STOPP/START version 2 criteria, deep vein thrombosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and advanced age were the primary factors influencing PIMs use.

Conclusions

Compared with other study findings from across the world, the prevalence of PIMs use was low. Based on 2023 AGS Beers Criteria, male sex, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease were found to be the determinant factors for PIMs use. Deep vein thrombosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and advanced age were significant factor of PIMs use according STOPP/START version 2 criteria.