Potentially inappropriate medications in older patients based on Beers criteria at a large family medicine clinic in Saudi Arabia

Background The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) is an issue especially among older patients who have medical comorbidities. They are more at risk to drug adverse effects compared to younger patients.

Aim To determine the prevalence of PIMs use according to Beers criteria among the older population in a large family medicine setting in Saudi Arabia and to identify the associated risk.

Method This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted from June 2017 to June 2018. All patients aged ≥65 years who were followed-up at the family medicine clinics were included. The American Geriatrics Society 2015 Updated Beers Criteria were used to determine the PIMs use.

Results A total of 270 older patients aged 72.41 ± 6.23 years were included in the study. The prevalence of PIMs was 60.7%. Multivariate analyses identified three independent variables associated with PIMs: incremental age per 5 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15 to 1.88; P = 0.002), female sex (OR 1.95; 95% CI = 1.10 to 3.42; P = 0.021), and polypharmacy (OR 8.21; 95% CI = 4.58 to 14.7; P<0.001). The most common PIMs used were 39.4% related to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), 25.2% to diuretics (other than spironolactone), 10.6% to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and 8.7% to aspirin use.

Conclusion This study showed high prevalence of PIMs. Increasing age, female sex, and polypharmacy were found to be significant risk factors for PIMs use. The present study reinforces the importance of comprehensive medication management and reviews. Future research should evaluate interventions aimed at improving primary care follow-up and reducing the prevalence of PIMs.