Understanding the Factors Influencing Older Adults' Decision-Making about Their Use of Over-The-Counter Medications-A Scenario-Based Approach.

Shweta Shah,Jamie A Stone,Apoorva Reddy,Michelle A Chui,Aaron M Gilson,Nora Jacobson

doi:10.3390/pharmacy8030175

Shweta Shah, Jamie A Stone + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy8030175

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Abstract

The potential risks of over-the-counter (OTC) medications are often aggravated in vulnerable populations, such as older adults. The elevated patterns of older-adult OTC medication use do not necessarily translate into a greater understanding of these medications or their safety implications. The objective of this study was to assess how older adults’ knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes inform their decision-making regarding OTC use. Situational interviews were conducted in three community pharmacies with 87 older-adult participants to capture how they intended to use an OTC medication. The interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed, generating seven key themes: (1) medication use concerns; (2) following label instructions; (3) wait time until medication effect; (4) responses to medication not working; (5) decision to stop medication; (6) sources of information; and (7) safety implications. This study shows substantial variations in older-adult OTC medication use while providing insight on factors that influence older adults’ appropriate OTC medication use and, in some cases, the potential for harmful effects.

Highlights

Annual sales data demonstrate that over-the-counter (OTC) medications represent a prominently purchased pharmaceutical treatment class in the United States [1]
Medications compared to other age groups [9,10], both in terms of overall quantities and rates of use. This elevated prevalence is true in the U.S, [9] and internationally [11,12,13,14]. These elevated patterns of OTC medication use do not necessarily translate into older adults having a greater understanding of these medications or of their safety profiles [15,16]
The sample was older adults in the age range of 65–88 years, with the majority of the sample female (66%) and white (96%) and more than half being college graduates (59%). These older adults were on several prescription and/or other OTC medications

Summary

Introduction

Annual sales data demonstrate that over-the-counter (OTC) medications represent a prominently purchased pharmaceutical treatment class in the United States [1]. Adults aged 65 years or older (older adults) use a disproportionately large number of OTC medications compared to other age groups [9,10], both in terms of overall quantities and rates of use (i.e., daily or weekly). This elevated prevalence is true in the U.S, [9] and internationally [11,12,13,14]. These elevated patterns of OTC medication use do not necessarily translate into older adults having a greater understanding of these medications or of their safety profiles [15,16]

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Discussion

Conclusion