Prevalence of Polypharmacy and Its Impact on Hospital Readmission in Elderly Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.522Abstract
Background: The aging population in Saudi Arabia faces significant healthcare challenges, including the management of multiple chronic conditions through polypharmacy. While polypharmacy is often necessary, inappropriate use can lead to adverse outcomes such as increased hospital readmissions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy among elderly patients in Saudi Arabia and evaluate its impact on 30-day hospital readmission rates.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, involving 420 elderly patients aged 65 years and older discharged between January and December 2023. Polypharmacy was defined as the prescription of five or more medications at discharge. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, including demographic details, medication counts, and readmission status within 30 days. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression to assess associations.
Results: The prevalence of polypharmacy was 55.7% (234/420 patients). The overall 30-day readmission rate was 25.7%, with significantly higher readmission rates among polypharmacy patients (33.8%) compared to those with fewer medications (15.6%). A strong association was found between polypharmacy and readmission (p < 0.001), even after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusion: Polypharmacy is highly prevalent among elderly patients in Saudi Arabia and is strongly associated with increased hospital readmissions. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as medication reviews and improved discharge planning, to mitigate risks and enhance patient outcomes. Addressing polypharmacy through evidence-based strategies is essential for reducing preventable readmissions and optimizing geriatric care.
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