Risk Factors Associated With Medication Errors Among Patients Suffering From Chronic Disorders

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Medication error is unintentional and can be reduced by reducing the risk factors. Patients suffering from chronic diseases are at an increased risk of medication errors. <b>Objective:</b> This work aims to assess the risk factors associated with medication errors among patients suffering from chronic disorders in hospitals of South Punjab, Pakistan. <b>Methodology:</b> Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of different risk factors on the prevalence of medication errors in patients suffering from chronic diseases. <b>Results:</b> A greater risk for the occurrence of medication errors was associated with age ≥60 years (odds ratio, OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.3-3.1; <i>p</i> = 0.001), overburdened healthcare system (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.64-3.56; <i>p</i> < 0.000), number of prescribed drugs ≥5 (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.02-2.64; <i>p</i> < 0.000), comorbidities (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.72-3.6; <i>p</i> = 0.003), Charlson comorbidity index (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 0.49-1.84; <i>p</i> = 0.004), and multiple prescribers to one patient (OR = 1.12; 95% CI = 0.64-1.76; <i>p</i> = 0.001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Older age, overburdened healthcare system, number of prescribed drugs, comorbidities, Charlson comorbidity index, and multiple prescribers to one patient are significant risk factors for the occurrence of medication errors.