Polypharmacy Prevalence in Rural-Living Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and its associated factors in older adults living in rural areas. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 585 older adults aged ?65 years living in a town in western Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews at family health centers using a questionnaire prepared by the authors in line with the literature. The data collected for the research were analyzed using the SPSS for Windows 25.0. Descriptive statistical methods were used to evaluate data. In addition, a logistic regression analysis was per- formed to identify the influential factors in the presence of polyphar- macy. The results were evaluated at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of polypharmacy was 24.1%. In addition, 51.6%, 52.1%, and 12.1% older adults used at least one over-the- counter drug, herbal medicines along with prescribed medications, and alternative treatment methods, respectively. However, older patients with four or more chronic diseases were exposed to polypharmacy ap- proximately nine times (95% confidence interval 3.02-26.75) more than those with 1-3 chronic diseases.Conclusion: Approximately one-quar- ter of the older adults had polypharmacy, which was affected by mul- tiple variables. The older adults should be evaluated for prescription and non-prescription drug use, and the rational drug use education should be provided.