| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the problem: Polypharmacy can contribute to frailty by affecting its various components. As average life expectancy increases, the prevalence of this syndrome is rising, posing new challenges for the healthcare system. Therefore, it is essential to study the relationship between polypharmacy and frailty. Aim of the study: To determine the relationship between frailty and polypharmacy among elderly individuals. Objectives: 1. To assess the prevalence of polypharmacy among elderly individuals. 2. To assess the prevalence of frailty among elderly individuals 3. To determine the relationship between polypharmacy and frailty. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional analytical study method was applied. Data were collected from anonymous questionnaires and medical records. The study participants included patients from the Geriatrics Center of Mykolas Marcinkevičius Hospital and seniors from community organisations. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of five or more medications. Frailty was diagnosed according to Linda Fried’s phenotypic model criteria: 0 points – no frailty, 1–2 points – pre-frailty, 3 or more points – frailty. Statistical analysis tests used: Mann-Whitney U, Student's t-test, Kruskal-Wallis H, Welch's ANOVA, Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Spearman‘s correlation and a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: The study included 112 participants: 24 (21.43%) men and 88 (78.57%) women. It was found that polypharmacy was present in 76 (67.68%) patients: 63 (71.64%) among women and 13 (54.24%) among men. Prevalence among the youngest-old (65–74 years) was 14 (56.0%), the middle-old (75–84 years) – 32 (64.0%), and the oldest-old (≥85 years) – 30 (81.1%). Frailty was identified in 49 participants (43.75%), 49 (43.75%) were at risk of frailty and 14 (12.50%) had no signs of frailty. Prevalence among men was 12 (50.0%), among women - 37 (42.0%). Prevalence among the youngest-old was 4 (16.0%), the middle-old – 23 (46.0%), and the oldest-old – 22 (59.5%). The Fried phenotypic model score showed a statistically significant weak positive correlation (r=0.347, p<0.001) with medication count. Polypharmacy prevalence differed significantly among frailty groups (p=0.022). The odds ratio of frailty risk with ≥5 medications were 4.98 (95% CI: 1.40, 17.63), after adjustment – 2.99 (95% CI: 0.72, 12.79). For frailty, the odds ratio were 4.49 (95% CI: 1.28, 15.80), after adjustment – 0.95 (95% CI: 0.16, 3.88). Conclusions: Polypharmacy and frailty are common among older adults. A higher number of medications used is associated with an increased risk of frailty. A statistically significant association between polypharmacy and frailty was identified. Although a statistically significant relationship between polypharmacy and frailty has been identified, it is influenced by age and the number of chronic diseases. |
