Prevalence and Risk Factors affecting polypharmacy among elderly patients in the North of West Bank

Chronic diseases are common among the older population, the rate of drug related problems and inappropriate medication use in the elderly is disturbing. The heavy use of medications in this population has increased. The rate of drug interactions decreased the quality of life, and the financial consequences of the problem are enormous. Information about polypharmacy and pattern of drug use by community dwelling elderly is scant. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and factors affecting it among home-dwelling elderly Palestinians in the Northern West Bank districts, aged 65 years or over by using a crosssectional study (n=317). Elderly were defined for the purpose of this study as those who are aged ? 65, Polypharmacy was defined as the concomitant use of 5 or more medications. Results found that the percent prevalence of polypharmacy among the study population of the three districts (Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin) is 41%. Mean number of medications used by each elder of the study population was 4.48 (SD 2.249). The commonest disease affecting elderly is hypertension, followed by joint diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. The study’s findings showed that polypharmacy is affected significantly by gender (p = 0.015), no statistically significant relationship between polypharmacy and other factors (Age, place of residence, marital status, level of education, and income). The study also showed that elderly patients are unaware of consequences of polypharmacy; (non-adherence, medication errors, adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, increased risk of hospitalization, and increased cost of treatment). The study results showed that medication counseling is mainly done by physicians, whith pharmacists or nurses. Prescribers need to be aware of increasing polypharmacy. Regular assessment of indications is needed to avoid overuse of drugs. Geriatric knowledge is needed to support health centers and specialized units in this demanding task. Community pharmacists’ role in reducing this phenomenon needs to be enhanced. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and all health providers who have a direct contact with the elders should be aware of polypharmacy, they should work as a team to educate community elderly about consequences of polypharmacy. Polypharmacy is a complex and worrying phenomenon that merits more research.