Cultural Differences in Medication Burden of Older Hospitalized Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Smichenko Juliana, Shulyaev Ksenya, Shadmi Efrat, Rayan-Gharra Nosaiba, Gur-Yaish Nurit, Zisberg Anna
Primary Institution: University of Haifa
Hypothesis
Cultural variations affect medication burden among older hospitalized patients.
Conclusion
Cultural backgrounds influence medication prescribing, with some groups experiencing lower medication burdens despite similar health conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Cultural differences significantly relate to medication management in older hospitalized adults.
- Israeli Arabs and former-USSR immigrants showed lower medication burdens.
- Symptom severity and comorbidities were significant predictors of higher medication burden.
Takeaway
Different cultures can affect how many medications older patients need when they are in the hospital, and some groups may need fewer medications.
Methodology
A secondary analysis of data from cognitively intact older adults, assessing medication burden using the Drug Burden Index and multiple regression analysis.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 104 Israeli Arabs, 165 former-USSR immigrants, and 403 veteran Israeli Jews, all aged 65 and above.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website