Understanding Older Adults' Views on Stopping Medications
Author Information
Author(s): Noh Hyunjin, Lee Lewis, Jeong Haelim, Emrick Lauryn, Hasnani Madison, Waddell Wendy
Primary Institution: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Hypothesis
What factors influence older adults' views on deprescribing medications?
Conclusion
The study found that older adults' views on deprescribing are influenced by the number of medications they take, their pain levels, and their demographic characteristics.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found a positive association between the number of medications and the burden factor.
- Pain scores were positively associated with the belief of medication-induced side effects.
- The number of chronic health conditions was inversely associated with concerns about cessation.
- Age and race were negatively related to the involvement factor.
- Gender and marital status were significantly related to the inclination to discontinue regular medications.
Takeaway
This study looked at how older people feel about stopping their medications, especially if they have many health issues and pain. It found that those who take more medications often feel more burdened.
Methodology
The study used purposeful sampling to recruit participants for a phone survey and employed regression analyses to examine associations.
Limitations
The study may not represent all older adults as it focused on those living with multimorbidity and chronic pain.
Participant Demographics
Participants were community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and above, cognitively intact, with two or more chronic illnesses and chronic pain.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website