FATORES ASSOCIADOS AO USO DE MEDICAMENTOS POTENCIALMENTE INAPROPRIADOS EM IDOSOS URBANOS E RURAIS

The association between the use of potentially inadequate medicines and living sites, health conditions, habits and functional capacity of urban and rural elderly people is analyzed. Current transversal study is a section of a population-based investigation on health and life conditions of elderly people living in the urban and rural zones of the municipality of Estacao RS Brazil. A home survey was conducted with 313 elderly people who provided their personal and family data, health conditions, habits and functional evaluation. Information was codified and stored in a data base. Data on medicines used and their classification were analyzed according to Beer´s Criteria v. 2012. Investigation revealed high prevalence of medicine which was potentially inadequate for the elderly. Antiarrhythmic, benzodiazepines and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs were the most employed drug therapeutic classes. A positive association between the use of potentially inadequate medicines and pain, falls, physical activity, diabetes, insomnia, nervousness, heart condition, depression and daily basic activities was identified. Results reinforce the need for capacitation and sensitiveness of health professionals to assess medicinal therapy.