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ASSOCIATION BETWEEN COMORBIDITY AND POLYPHARMACY: A NATION-WIDE POPULATION–BASED STUDY FROM JORDAN

  • At: PPR SIG 2021 (2021)
  • Type: Digital
  • By: DR., Rasha Mahmoud Radwan Arabyat (Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University , Jordan)
  • Co-author(s): Rasha M. Arabyat, Ola M. Al-azzam & Sayer I. Al-Azzam
  • Abstract:

    Introduction

    Polypharmacy is usually associated with duplication of therapy, unnecessary medications and adverse drug reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to study factors that increases the risk of polypharmacy.

    Objectives

    To assess risk factors of polypharmacy with a special focus on comorbidity in Jordan.

    Methods

    Using a cross-sectional study design, medical records of patients (age ≥ 55 years) found in a large national electronic healthcare database from 2018-2019 were retrieved. Polypharmacy, the main outcome, was designated as the current use of at least five medications (the patient should have at least one chronic condition, one medication refill and continuous use of the medication for at least 30 days). Comorbidity, the main exposure, was summarized using Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Potential predictors of polypharmacy were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

    Results

    An eligible sample of 113,834 individuals (mean age 68 years, 51.5% female) were included in the analysis of whom 38% met polypharmacy definition (28% were categorized as having major [5-9 medications] and 10.2% as having excessive polypharmacy ≥ 10 medications). About 20% of patients were found to have a CCI of ≥ 1. Significant predictors of polypharmacy were CCI score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.98, 95% CI: 2.89-3.07, p < 0.001), gender (AOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.82-0.86, p <0.001), & patient’s age (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.53-1.61, p <0.001).

    Conclusion

    Polypharmacy is common among patients in Jordan. Comorbidity is positively and strongly related to polypharmacy independent from other predictors and confounders. Identifying groups who are at the greatest risk for polypharmacy can help in optimizing patients’ treatment which can lead to better outcomes and improving quality of life.

Last update 28 September 2023

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