Utilização de medicamentos por idosos, em um centro de convivência, no município de Campo Grande, MS

Abstract

According to studies of demographics, there is a tendency for the ageing of populations worldwide, following the stages of the demographic transition. The population aging causes changes in the epidemiological profile, increasing the occurrence of chronic non-communicable diseases, which lead to the use of large quantities of drugs for long periods of time. The polimedicação, self-medication and use of medicinal plants, may lead to drug interactions, increasing the risks as it increases the amount of medication used. Still can occur, the use of inappropriate medications for elderly patients, which should be avoided for this population. This work was conducted in a centre of Coexistence, the municipality of Campo Grande, MS, where interviews were carried out with the elderly participants of the daily activities of the Centre. Descriptive, transversal research, with primary data collection and quantitative and qualitative analyses aimed to analyze the use of medications by seniors, second polimedicação, self-medication, potentially inappropriate medication use, and use of medicinal plants. Of the 81 participants, 65.4% used of self-medication, 39,6 used at least one medication potentially inappropriate for the elderly in self-medication, and 77.8% made use of medicinal plants. As for the chronic use of medications, 85.2% used drugs for three months or more, of these, 45% were polimedicados, i.e. used 5 or more drugs and 41% used potentially inappropriate medication prescribed. There was Association of self-medication and self-perception of bad health, and polimedicação and use of potentially inappropriate medications. It is concluded that it is necessary to the development of actions to promote the health of this population, with the aim of improving health and quality of life for today are part of this age group, and those who still will.