Study of rational drug use among elderly i̇ndividuals and the affective factors

This study is a descriptive and cross sectional study, conducted to analyze rational drug use among elderly individuals and the affective factors. The study was carried out between October 2024 and September 2025 and data collection process took place between January 20th, 2025 and April 25th, 2025 at ıt was conducted with 440 patients in 3 different family health centers in Edirne province. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Introductory Information Form and the Rational Drug Use Scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 software. Descriptive statistics, comparative statistics, and regression analysis were used in the data analysis. When evaluating the total scores obtained by participants from the Rational Drug Use Scale,was found to be 64,71 ± 8,05. Significant differences were identified between Rational Drug Use Scale scores and participants' ages , education levels, individuals they live with and health insurance statuses. It was found that participants aged 70 and below had higher Rational Drug Use Scale scores. Scores acquired from sub-dimensions are ranked from highest to lowest as follows: sensitivity (21.11 ± 2.69), self-efficacy (23.77 ± 3.37) and prioritization (19.82 ± 3.92). A positive relationship was seen between participants' education levels and rational drug use. It is recommended that physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals carry out more informative initiatives, particularly for individuals over the age of 70 and for those with lower education levels, to improve their levels of rational drug use. Moreover, raising awareness on this issue should help instill conscious drug use habits within society