Document Details Document Type : Article In Journal  Document Title : Drug Utilization Pattern Among Community-Dwelling ,Elderly Drug Utilization Pattern Among Community-Dwelling ,Elderly   Document Language : English  Abstract : Drug therapy among elderly has significant benefits in managing different geriatric health problems, However, it is associated with many adverse effects and several drug related problems. In the present study, a house-to-house survey was conducted in a squatter area in Alexandria to assess th~ pattern of drug consumption among community-dwelling elderly. The study included 311 elderly, an interview questionnaire was designed to collect data about their socia-demographic characteristics, number and types of drugs they were using. medical history and site of medical care. Knowledge of elderly about their current medications, errors in drug intake and compliance with their drug regimens were also assessed. Results revealed that more than half of the elderly [54.7%] were using drugs and the mean number of drugs taken /I was 2.35 :t 1.37. Logistic regression analysis revealed that drug usage was more common II among widowed or divorced elderly and among those complaining of higher number of chronic I illnesses. The mean number of drugs taken was also significantly related to the number of I chronic jIInesses. More than two thirds of elderly [69.4%] had insufficient knowledge about the : drugs they were taking. More than one quarter of elderly drug users [29.4%] were non-compliant with their drug regimens. Non-compliance was more common among the younger age group [60-74years], among those treated by more than one physician and among arthritic patients. The main reasons for non-compliance as reported by the elderly were high cost of drugs, forgetfulness, feeling better and occurrence of side effects. Errors in drug intake were detected in more than a quarter of the elderly drug users [28.8%]. The number of drugs taken and knowledge about them were the only significant factors related to occurrence of errors in drug intake. The most common types of errors in drug intake were taking drugs on-need basis, utilization of inappropriate drugs and lower dosages than recommended.  ISSN : 0379-7988  Journal Name : Bulletin of High Institute of Public Health  Volume : 31  Issue Number : 3  Publishing Year : 1422 AH 2001 AD  Article Type : Article  Added Date : Saturday, April 21, 2012  Researchers Researcher Name (Arabic) Researcher Name (English) Researcher Type Dr Grade Email منى حسن hassan, mona Researcher Doctorate   Files File Name Type Description  32950.pdf pdf    32951.pdf pdf   Back To Researches Page