Inappropriate Medication Use Among Underserved Elderly African Americans.

Objective: The goal of this study is to identify correlates and the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use among underserved elderly African Americans. Method: This cross-sectional study recruited 400 elderly African Americans living in South Los Angeles, and used structured, face-to-face surveys. These elicited data pertaining to the type, frequency, dosage, and indications of all medications used by participants. Results: Seventy percent of participants engaged in PIM use and used at least one medication that was classified as “Avoid” (27%) and “Use Conditionally” (43%) through Beers Criteria. Significant correlations emerged between PIM use and the number of autonomic and central nervous system, neurological and psychotherapeutic medications, medication duplications, and drug–drug interactions. Discussion: Our findings point to the need for multidisciplinary team programs of health care providers that include primary and specialist physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and social worke...