A cross-sectional evaluation of the prevalence and detection of predictors of polypharmacy amongst adult in Spain

Abstract

In Spain, approximately 16% of people who take medicines are on polypharmacy and this is more frequent in women and amongst older adults. From our study, we can conclude that the variables which can predict a higher likelihood of polypharmacy are, together with age, prescribed antidepressants, and prescribed medicines for back/neck pain and joint pain. This may provide a tool for health professionals to readily assess polypharmacy appropriateness in polymedicated patients.