Factors influencing the use of potentially inappropriate medication in older patients in Slovakia

Abstract

Polypharmacy, immobilization, heart failure and depression were documented as predictors of use of potentially inappropriate medication. In depressive patients, drugs other than antidepressants contributed to the extensive use of potentially inappropriate medication. The observed prevalence of use of potentially inappropriate medication in older hospitalized Slovak patients was lower than the prevalence previously documented in Poland and the Czech Republic, but higher than in Croatia and Turkey. The identified risk factors were consistent with previous findings from other parts of Europe.