Publication:

The relation between polypharmacy and medication non adherence in elderly patients with non-communicable diseases in primary care, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital

Background Most health problems in the elderly are non-communicable diseases. The elderly continuously take medication for treatment and prevent complications. This increases the chances of polypharmacy in the elderly, which may lead to medication non adherence, negatively affecting health and reducing quality of life.

Methods This research aimed to study the relationship between polypharmacy and medication non adherence in elderly patients with non-communicable diseases in primary care services of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital, compared with non-polypharmacy. This study was a cross-sectional study with participants divided into two groups: Polypharmacy and Non polypharmacy. There were 276 participants aged over 60 years and who received services at the primary care services of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital, from October 2023 to April 2024. Baseline data and Medication adherence data were collected.

Results The results of the study found that the sample group of 276 people had the most of age at 60-69 years. The most common non-communicable disease was hypertension. Most participants had a daily dose of 1-5 pills, self-managed their medication and had medication compliance. Polypharmacy was significantly associated with medication non adherence (p value 0.04) (odd ratio 2.43, 95%CI 1.06-5.58) and Polypharmacy was significantly associated with inappropriate drug use (p value <0.01) (odd ratio 6.62, 95%CI 3.47-12.61).

Conclusions The conclusion of the study found that polypharmacy had a statistically significant effect on medication non adherence and inappropriate drug use in elderly patients with non-communicable diseases. Physicians should consider prescribing drugs for the treatment of non-communicable diseases appropriately to reduce the chance of medication non adherence and inappropriate drug use in the elderly.