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Poly Pharmacy Usage among Geriatric Population at Rural Health Centre, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally

Background: Poly pharmacy can be defined as more than two drugs, where as in case of elderly population the intake number of drugs varies. Hence polypharmacy definition in elderly people is different. On the whole throughout the world among the geriatric population, there is increase number of drugs in take was observed. Objectives: To find the prevalence of polypharmacy, demographic and other factors association with polypharmacy among the geriatric population. Methodology: A cross sectional institutional based study was conducted from April 2019 to June 2019 among the elderly population at the field practice area of Rural health Centre of Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally. A total of 97 persons were interviewed and information collected and confidentiality of individual information maintained. Necessary statistical tests like simple proportions and chi square tests were applied. Results: In the present study, about 45.3% were males and only 54.7% were females. Among the study population 72.1% were literates. Approximately,70.1% were using polypharmacy medication in their routine life. Near to 57.7% individuals were having osteoarthritis problem. There was statistically significant association was found between female sex and polypharmacy more than 5 drugs use. Conclusions: Based on the study results, polypharmacy using people were more as the study group is above 60 years of age group and naturally in that age more health problems are there. Osteoarthritis problem is common problem identified as per the self report and history. Need life style modifications before development of any disease, primordial and primary prevention strategies will help for the reduction of such problems in the coming future.