Frailty and Polypharmacy in Hospitalized Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Yasin Reham, Lekan Deborah, Kennedy-Malone Laurie, McCoy Thomas, Boone Anna, Bacon Cindy
Primary Institution: King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences- College of Nursing Jeddah
Hypothesis
Is there an association between polypharmacy and frailty among hospitalized adults aged 50 years or older?
Conclusion
The study found a significant association between polypharmacy and frailty, with a higher percentage of frail individuals in the polypharmacy group.
Supporting Evidence
- 42.0% of the hospitalized adults were identified as frail.
- 54.5% of individuals with polypharmacy were classified as frail.
- 31.4% of individuals in the non-polypharmacy group were classified as frail.
- The odds of frailty were 53.1% higher for those in the polypharmacy group.
Takeaway
Older adults who take many medications are more likely to be frail, so doctors should check their medications before they leave the hospital.
Methodology
Secondary data analysis of electronic health records from hospitalized adults aged 50 and older.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 50 years or older, hospitalized in medical-surgical units.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
[1.437, 1.631]
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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