Avaliação do uso de medicamentos entre idosos atendidos em centros de referência em Manaus - AM

Abstract

Population aging is a global reality, due to the reduction in child mortality and fertility, increased life expectancy and technological advances in healthcare. On the other hand, elderly people have become largely dependent on drugs/medicine due to the increasing incidence of chronic diseases, which require prolonged and/or continuous treatment. Excessive and improper intake of medications may pose risks to the patient and is a concern for public health. The objective of this work was to identify the profile of drug use among elderly patients in the Centros de Atenção a Melhor Idade (CAIMI) in Manaus-AM. We conducted a descriptive observational study in which we interviewed 355 elderly patients in the three different units that provide unique and specialized care for elderly patients. Data on drug use in the past seven days was collected through a form, and these drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. To obtain information about drug interactions was used Micromedex® and inappropriate drugs were classified according to the update of the Beers Criteria conducted by the American Geriatrics Society. We then analysed the occurrence of polypharmacy, redundancy and self-medication. Among the most respondents, 83.1% were women, aged between 60 and 69 years (62.5%), married (43.7%) and had children (95.5%). The prevalence of drug use was 80.3% and was the most drugs were for cardiovascular system (43.7%). The prevalence of polypharmacy was 19.3%, being higher in women (78.9%), redundancy was observed in 14.7% and 13% of self-medication in the elderly. Potential drug interactions were observed in 42.5% of the users of drugs and medicines within the total, 122 (14.7%) were considered inappropriate for use in the elderly. Although with high standard of medication use were low prevalence of self-medication, polypharmacy, use redundant and inappropriate use of drugs was observed. Our study demonstrates positive results regarding the use of drugs, a specialized and exclusive health services for the elderly in combination with multidisciplinary care, can promote better quality of life and correct use of drugs associate with improved health care.