Abstract
The present study examines the drugs/ medicines used by elderly population (Aged 60 years and above) in an urban setting and identifies medication expenditures and number of medicines/ drugs used in one of the middle income group community residing in Vasant Kunj residential area of Delhi Metropolitan City in India. The results from the study indicate that a large proportion of elderly persons suffer from chronic ailments (73%) with significant proportions (90%) having 2-3 co-morbidity and 10% having more than 3 chronic diseases. Major morbidity pattern found among elderly persons were hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis & bone aches, heart disease, thyroid related problems, constipation, asthma and acidity. Average number of medicines prescribed was 3.43±1.60 (range 1 to 8 medicines). A large number of elderly persons 38% were taking four or more medicines. The study indicates that medication costs are 15% of the total income per month for elderly population. The share of medication costs to total monthly income (both for purchase of medicines and medical tests) were 12% for males and 20% for females. Thus the medication costs are high as branded drugs are used, while availability of generic medicines are less.
Published Version
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