Factors associated with adverse drug reactions among residents in nursing home

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant public health concern, especially in the elderly. Factors like multimorbidity, polypharmacy, frailty, and age-related changes in drug metabolism increase variability in drug response and adverse effects. The objective of this research is to examine the prevalence of ADRs in elderly residents of nursing homes and to identify the most significant risk factors contributing to these events. Material and methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study that reviewed the medical records of 125 residents in 2 nursing homes. The study population consisted of all residents aged 65 years or older. Resident characteristics included age, gender, clinical diagnoses, number of comorbidities, residents’ functional status, and complete medication history were analyzed using general practitioner documentation in residents’ records. Relevant clinical information on ADR characteristics was documented through chart review over 12 months. Results: The study included 125 residents with a mean age of 76.52 (SD 7.83), the majority of them were women (66%), with polypharmacy of 5 and above (48%). Overall, 10% of elderlies took ≥ 10 medications (prescribed, or over the counter), and 38% took 5–9. In addition, the mean number of chronic comorbid conditions was approximately four. Mean Charlson comorbidity index was 1.7. Residents with higher Charlson Comorbidity Index showed increased risk of ADRs, r = .552, p < .001. We found that patients with non-ADRs used less medications (M = 3.88, SD = 1.56) compared to those with ADRs, (M = 7.26, SD = 1.27; t (123) = -6.51, p < .001). Cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and anticoagulant medications were associated to ADRs. Finally, using Pearson’s r correlation coefficient we found that there is a significant positive relationship between ADRs and specific drug classes use as well as higher polypharmacy and comorbidity. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of ADRs among elderly patients, with a positive association to polypharmacy, comorbidities, and specific drug classes use.

KEYWORDS

• adverse drug reactions
• risk factors
• elderly
• nursing home
• polypharmacy
• comorbidity

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

• DOI10.18549/PharmPract.2025.4.3391Copy

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