Date of Award
2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Dr. Mark Speechley
Abstract
Objectives: To examine prevalence, changes and persistence of medication-use and potentially inappropriate medication-use at two time points in a sample of 176 participants of a falls-prevention program. Methods: Drug lists were formulated through in-person interviews. The Beers' Criteria were used to categorize medications as potentially inappropriate. Results: Mean age of the sample was 79 (SD=6.3) years (range 47-100 years). Nearly two-thirds took at least one cardiac medication. Over 40% took an antithrombotic medication. One-quarter took a prescription central nervous system medication and about one in ten took an over-the- counter pain medication. At baseline, 17.6% reported the use of at least one inappropriate medication which decreased to 13.6% by the second assessment. Conclusions: This small study demonstrates varied prevalence and persistence among drug classes examined. Use of inappropriate medication decreased, but, since follow-up did not continue past one year, the persistence of these changes after the falls-prevention program ceased is unknown.
Recommended Citation
Berliner, Shirra R., "MEDICATION USE IN A SAMPLE OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS" (2010). Digitized Theses. 4089.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4089