Adverse drug reactions amongst admitted advanced age Africans

Abstract

Background: Medical therapy amongst advanced age adults sometimes have its inherent significant risks such as adverse drug reactions (ADRs) resulting from the drug itself or drug-drug interactions or interactions from other substances such as alcohol. Aim: The main aim of this study is to highlight ADRs noticed by the older adult while on admission either in the past or present with the goal of preventing them and improving treatment outcomes. Methods: A purposive cross-sectional sampling of 126 elderly patients that were admitted to the different wards of the hospital within a 3-month period was carried out of which 25 older adults who met the criteria of being able to recall ADRs in the past or during current admission were included in the study. Results: ADR was reported in a ratio of M: F ratio of 1:1.08 with a prevalence of 19.8% of the total older patients evaluated. Conclusion: Self-reported ADRs amongst these advanced age in-patients were high. The actual number of adverse drug events may be higher if they actually looked out for by the physicians or other health care workers. The use of screening tools by physicians and other prescribing health workers can help in curbing adverse drug events in older adults.