The effect of polypharmacy on activites of daily living in geriatric individuals

Polypharmacy is a medical issue commonly observed in individuals aged 65 and over. Due to the declining fertility rate worldwide and in our country, along with advancements in the healthcare industry, the elderly population is increasing, and the average life expectancy is extending. In this context, where the geriatric population is growing, polypharmacy has become a significant public health concern. This study was conducted to determine the impact of polypharmacy on daily living activities in elderly patients who applied to the Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. A total of 80 voluntary participants were included in the study. Of the participants, 45% (n=36) were female, and 55% (n=44) were male, with a mean age of 70.96±4.56 years (min: 65; max: 85). The "Functional Independence Measure" was applied to 80 patients who agreed to participate in the study and signed the Minimum Informed Consent Form to investigate the effects of polypharmacy on daily living activities. Functional independence scores and subscale averages were compared based on the number of medications used. The total functional independence score was statistically significantly higher in those using 0-3 medications compared to those using ≥4 medications (p<0.001). This finding indicates that individuals aged 65 and over who use 0-3 medications have higher daily living activity levels. In conclusion, the prevalence of polypharmacy is high among patients aged 65 and over who visit our General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics outpatient clinics. This condition is one of the factors affecting patients' daily living activities. A geriatric approach should be adopted to evaluate the frequency of polypharmacy in patients over 65 and to provide appropriate healthcare services tailored to this group.