HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, March 9: A door – to – door study conducted in 6 cities in India by researchers from Indian Council of Medical Research Centre for Ageing and Mental Health, NMCH Nagaon, Safdarjung Hospital etc. published in Scientific Reports, revealed significant findings regarding medication usage and self-medication practices among older adults.
The study analysed 2,741 prescribed medicines (solid oral formulations) and found that 173 out of 600 participants had prescriptions containing potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs)—drugs that may be unnecessary or harmful—while 20.3 percent were missing essential medicines, classified as potential prescribing omissions (PPOs). Self-medication was prevalent at 19.7%, with notable associations with living alone, comorbidities, and recent hospitalizations. Polypharmacy (use of five or more medications simultaneously) was prevalent, with 33.7% of individuals taking multiple medications.
Dr Mandeep Sarma, Clinical Pharmacologist from Assam and co-author of the study expressed concern over the lack of awareness and unsafe practices that were found among self-medicating individuals. He further emphasized that these findings underscore the complexity of medication management among older adults and highlighted the need for comprehensive interventions to optimize medication use and promote safe practices.
The most commonly prescribed drugs were antihypertensives, antidiabetic medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, calcium supplements, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, there was a notable omission of crucial therapies, such as anti-clotting medications for diabetic patients with cardiovascular risks, aspirin or clopidogrel for those with coronary artery disease, and calcium or vitamin D for osteoarthritis patients.
Concerningly, self-medication was widespread, with 65.3% of self-medicators lacking proper knowledge, 50% unaware of the risks, and 40.7% engaging in unsafe practices. The most frequently self-administered drugs were NSAIDs (used by nearly 60% of individuals), paracetamol (used by about 42%), and antibiotics for respiratory infections and diarrhea (used by roughly one-third).
Overall, the study underscores the urgency of addressing polypharmacy and self-medication among older adults in urban Indian communities to mitigate potential health risks and improve overall well-being.
