What does this research mean for the field?

Polypharmacy is highly prevalent (37%) in secondary healthcare facilities in North-Central Nigeria and imposes a substantial economic burden that frequently leads to cost-related medication non-adherence. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the prevalence and economic burden of polypharmacy among patients attending a secondary healthcare facility in North-Central Nigeria.

August 29, 2026BMC Health Services ResearchOpen Access

Prevalence and economic burden of polypharmacy in a secondary healthcare facility in North-Central Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

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Authors

SQSodiq Olasinbo Qudus UMUsman Bala Muhammad PTPaul Tanko Tarfa

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Implication

Cross-sectional study finds high polypharmacy rates and substantial medication costs in secondary care, highlighting the need for routine medication reviews.

Key Points

To assess the prevalence and economic burden of polypharmacy among patients attending a secondary healthcare facility in North-Central Nigeria.
Conducted a retrospective review of 2,000 prescriptions issued between January and June 2025 at Offa Specialist Hospital in Kwara State, Nigeria.
Administered prospective surveys to 100 patients and 50 healthcare providers between July and August 2025 to evaluate medication costs and perceptions.
Polypharmacy occurred in 37.0% of prescriptions (740/2,000), with 25.0% classified as major polypharmacy (5–9 medications) and 12.0% as excessive polypharmacy (≥10 medications).
Among surveyed patients, 79% reported medication costs as a financial burden, 37% spent over ₦20,000 monthly, and 66% skipped or reduced doses due to costs.
Healthcare providers reported high exposure to polypharmacy, with 84% encountering it frequently and 100% agreeing that it drives up treatment costs.

Cite This Study

Qudus et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9299c88e5d7d1fc0c1202a https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-026-15474-2

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Implication

Cross-sectional study finds high polypharmacy rates and substantial medication costs in secondary care, highlighting the need for routine medication reviews.

Prevalence and economic burden of polypharmacy in a secondary healthcare facility in North-Central Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Discussion

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Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Prevalence and economic burden of polypharmacy in a secondary healthcare facility in North-Central Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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