Risk factors for medication misadventure among residents in sheltered housing complexes

What is already known about this subject

• Medication‐related problems are more common among the elderly and are associated with poor outcomes.

What this study adds

• Three‐quarters of elderly patients living in sheltered housing complexes had at least one risk factor for medication‐related problems.

Aim

To identify risk factors for unplanned hospitalizations among residents of sheltered housing complexes (SHCs).

Methods

Medication‐related risk factors for health outcomes among residents of SHCs in Aberdeen (n = 1137) were assessed using a postal questionnaire. Predictors of unplanned hospitalization/emergency department (ED) visit were identified using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 695 (61.1%) responses received, 645 were from residents (mean age 78.2 years) using prescribed medications. One or more risk factors for medication‐related problems was seen in 467 (72.4%) respondents; 488 (75.7%) were using medications with high potential for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the elderly. Unplanned hospitalizations/ED visits (n = 230) were found to be associated with use of drugs of narrow therapeutic index [P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69, 5.28]; use of five or more different medications (P = 0.001; OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.34, 3.31); and greater disability (Townsend score) (P = 0.005; OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02, 1.11).

Conclusion

Residents of SHCs using drugs of narrow therapeutic index, using five or more different medications, and with greater disability warrant periodic monitoring.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02799.x

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