Analysis of medication use by elderly persons with supplemental health insurance plans

• Published in: Revista brasileira de geriatria e gerontologia 2017-05, Vol.20 (3), p.374-386
• Main Authors: Muniz, Elaine Cristina Salzedas, Goulart, Flávia Cristina, Lazarini, Carlos Alberto, Marin, Maria José Sanches
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Drug Utilization; Elderly; GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY; Polypharmacy; Supplemental Health
• ISSN: 1809-9823; 1981-2256; 1809-9823; 1981-2256
• DOI: 10.1590/1981-22562017020.160111

Abstract Objective: To analyze the socio-demographic and pharmacotherapeutic profiles of elderly users of a private health plan. Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 239 elderly users of a private health plan in a medium-size city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and absolute and relative frequencies were obtained. The pharmacotherapeutic survey estimated the prevalence and average number of medicines used in the 15 days prior to the interview, as well as adherence to treatment. Results: Of the respondents, 79% were female, with a mean age of 73 years. The main health problems reported were: arterial hypertension, rheumatism/arthritis, dyslipidemia and diabetes. A total of 97.1% of the elderly persons used medicine, and the most frequently used classes were for the cardiovascular and digestive systems. An average of 5.9 drugs/elderly person were used and 62.8% of the sample were undergoing polymedication. A total of 11.7% of the sample used medications that were unsuitable for the elderly, 51% had average adherence to medication and 12.1% had poor adherence. Conclusions: The majority of elderly people in the sample were female, lived with relatives and had a higher-level education. Despite the use of polymedication and the presence of multiple comorbidities, the percentage of elderly persons with low adherence to treatment was lower than that found in other studies. A high level of education and purchasing power, which facilitated the access to medication of the elderly patients under study, may be important predictors of adherence to treatment. The results support maintaining a model of care for the elderly centered on the treatment of diseases and pharmacotherapy. Resumo Objetivo: analisar os perfis sociodemográfico e farmacoterapêutico de idosos usuários de plano de saúde suplementar. Método: estudo transversal e descritivo realizado com 239 idosos usuários de plano de saúde suplementar de um município de médio porte do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para coleta de dados foi aplicado um questionário estruturado e foram obtidas as frequências absolutas e relativas. A pesquisa farmacoterapêutica estimou a prevalência e número médio de medicamentos utilizado nos 15 dias anteriores à entrevista e a adesão ao tratamento. Resultados: Dos entrevistados, 79% são do sexo feminino, idade média de 73 anos; os principais problemas de saúde referidos foram: hipertensão arterial, re