Medications Associated with Geriatric Syndromes and Prescribing Patterns: The Impact of Excessive Polypharmacy in Older Adult Patients

Aims of the study: To assess the prescribing patterns of medications associated with geriatric syndromes (MAGS) in older adult patients with multiple comorbidities and to identify factors that may increase the risk of MAGS prescribing in the same population.

Methodology: This study involved a retrospective analysis of the electronic medical records of older adult patients (≥ 65 years) who visited outpatient clinics at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) in Jordan between January 1, 2019, and June 1, 2024. The collected data included patient demographics, medical history, and medications, focusing on those associated with geriatric syndromes. Descriptive and logistic regression statistical analyses were performed using SPSS with the significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: The study included 1087 older adult patients (52.7% female), with a median age of 71 years. The common conditions existed were peptic ulcer disease (57.1%), hypertension (54.65%), and uncomplicated diabetes (50%). Polypharmacy was presented in 94.8% of total patients number, with 41.6% experiencing excessive polypharmacy. Antihypertensives (78.4%), non-opioid analgesics (56.5%), and antidiabetics (51.8%) were the most frequently prescribed MAGS, which frequently resulted in falls (96%), urinary incontinence (87.6%), and depression (87.3%). Patients with excessive polypharmacy had significantly higher MAGS scores than those with moderate or mild polypharmacy (95% CI: -2.230 to -1.770 and -3.322 to -2.678, respectively, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a high prevalence of excessive polypharmacy among older adult patients, significantly contributing to the elevated prescription level of medications associated with geriatric syndrome occurrence, particularly falls, urinary incontinence, and depression.