Abstract

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF POLYPHARMACY AMONG ELDERLY IN MUMBAI

Mamta Pandey* and Vanita Saharan*

ABSTRACT

Population ageing is a result of high life expectancy and declining fertility. Ageing usually accompanied with the chronic illness conditions. Polypharmacy is becoming a common problem among older persons. Polypharmacy increases the risk of drug-related events such as falls, confusion and functional decline. In one of the studies, it was found that elderly commonly used both prescribed and nonprescribed medicine together which get them into the risk of major drug-drug reaction. The aim of the present study is to explore level and the risk factors of polypharmacy among elderly in Mumbai. Present study has utilized current survey data, conducted in Mumbai, for the fulfillment of the objectives for 60+ populations. The prevalence of polypharmacy is 4.2% among elderly in Mumbai. The present study shows the likelihood of polypharmacy is higher among old and it is lower among high wealth quintile elderly. The study has revealed bad self-rated health diabetes, depression and hypertension as the major risk factors of polypharmacy among elderly in Mumbai. Findings of the study will be helpful for the programmes and policymakers, researchers, academician and social workers who are working in the field of ageing and health.

Keywords: Ageing, polypharmacy, sage, self-rated health, diabetes, depression, hypertension.