Polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications and associated factors among older adults with hypertension in primary care

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence and associations of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults with hypertension treated in primary care. METHODS: a cross-sectional study carried out with older adults with hypertension treated at a Family Health Strategy unit. Data collection included analysis of medical records, interviews and multidimensional assessment of older adults. Socio-demographic information and clinical variables were collected. Statistical analysis was performed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: polypharmacy prevalence was 38.09%, and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM), 28.57%. There was a significant association between polypharmacy and PIM use, altered sleep and ethnicity. PIM use was associated with polypharmacy, worse family functioning, and absence of a caregiver. Cognitive decline reduces the prevalence of these medications. CONCLUSIONS: polypharmacy and PIM use among older adults with hypertension represent a problem in this population, especially among the most vulnerable.