Background: Poly-pharmacy can worsen frailty, a term that refers to the collection of health problems an older adult may face. This includes delirium and cognitive impairment, falls, and decreased functional ability. Poly-pharmacy has also been documented as a major risk factor for adverse drug reactions in the developed countries.
Aim of the study: The study aims to assess of knowledge and practices regarding Poly-pharmacy among old-age patients.
Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used.
Subjects & Setting: convenient sample consisted of 114 elderly patients visiting outpatient clinics affiliated to Beni-
Suef university hospital.
Tools: (1) an interview questionnaire to assess geriatric patient’s Poly-pharmacy knowledge; (2) A checklist to assess poly pharmacies’ alternative practices.
Results: two-thirds of the study sample (66.7%) was taking medication based on their previous experience, 57% depended on the pharmacist’s prescription, 44.7% took medication based on the experience of a family member, 32.5
% are aware of the meaning of Poly-pharmacy while 23.7% are aware of the Poly-pharmacy contributing factors.
Conclusion: The prevalence of Poly-pharmacy and its consequences among the elderly is significantly consequent to
the level of education.
Recommended: Designing an educational program for the elderly to increase their awareness and knowledge about the phenomenon of drug abuse and its consequences.
أ.د. حنان الزبلاوى حسن | Hanan Elzeblawy Hassan | 8557