Trends in the relationship between the level of drug interactions and
sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics in
nonagenarians
Abstract
Aim: This research aimed to study the association of drug interactions
and sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics in
nonagenarians with hyperpolypharmacy. Methods: This was a secondary
analysis of an evaluation performed by the Multiprofessional Care for
the Oldest-old Project in 2016, with participants identified with
hyperpolypharmacy. Results: Results revealed that 69% of 29
participants had at least one major drug interaction, 41% had 10 or
more moderate interactions, and 59% had minor interactions. The study
revealed significant relationships for major drug interactions with the
characteristics of recurrent urinary tract infections, anxiety, and
palpitations. The study found near significance for white color, not
good general health and appetite, depression, and impaired cognition.
For moderate drug interaction, findings showed a relationship near
significance for females, perception of not good general health and
appetite, hypertension, diabetes, urinary infection, depression scale
change, agitation, pain, fatigue, and a fear of falling. For minor drug
interactions, the study revealed significant findings for an association
with depression, and apathy or sleepiness. There were findings near
significance for an association with white color, diabetes, agitation,
pain, fatigue, and cough. Conclusion: Drug interactions are highly
prevalent among nonagenarians with hyperpolypharmacy, with clinical and
quality of life impact. Thus they must be constantly evaluated for the
presence of drug interactions at all levels of care, whether in primary
care or in specialized care. A study with larger sample size and
longitudinal contour is proposed to prove the importance of our
observations.