Effect of the use of potentially inappropriate medications on the mortality of Brazilian older adults: SABE cohort study

Geriatr Nurs. 2024 Sep-Oct:59:256-260. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.07.004. Epub 2024 Jul 31.

Abstract

Objective: Investigate the association between potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and the risk of death among community-dwelling older Brazilian adults.

Methods: Participants from the Health, Well-Being, and Aging Cohort Study (SABE) in São Paulo, Brazil, between 2000 and 2016 were included. The dependent variable was all-cause mortality, measured as the time elapsed until death. The exposure of interest was the use of PIM according to the Beers Criteria 2019 version. All covariates, except for sex and education, were considered time-varying.

Results: PIM use was not associated with mortality after adjusting for covariates (HR = 0.99; 95 % CI: 0.88-1.12). There was a significant interaction between PIM use and age (HR = 0.98; 95 % CI: 0.96-0.99).

Conclusion: The association between PIM use and the risk of death was moderated by age. Future studies should consider the impact of necessary medication omissions when assessing the mortality risk associated with PIM use.

Keywords: Aging; Beers criteria; Cohort studies; Mortality; Potentially inappropriate medication.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brazil
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inappropriate Prescribing
  • Independent Living
  • Male
  • Mortality
  • Potentially Inappropriate Medication List*
  • Risk Factors