Risk factors for medication misadventure among residents in sheltered housing complexes

AIM: To identify risk factors for unplanned hospitalizations among residents of sheltered housing complexes (SHCs). METHODS: Medication-related risk factors for health outcomes among residents of SHCs in Aberdeen (n = 1137) were assessed using a postal questionnaire. Predictors of unplanned hospitalization/emergency department (ED) visit were identified using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 695 (61.1 ) responses received, 645 were from residents (mean age 78.2 years) using prescribed medications. One or more risk factors for medication-related problems was seen in 467 (72.4 ) respondents; 488 (75.7 ) were using medications with high potential for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the elderly. Unplanned hospitalizations/ED visits (n = 230) were found to be associated with use of drugs of narrow therapeutic index [P <0.001; odds ratio (OR) 2.98, 95 confidence interval (CI) 1.69, 5.28]; use of five or more different medications (P = 0.001; OR 2.10, 95 CI 1.34, 3.31); and greater disability (Townsend score) (P = 0.005; OR 1.06, 95 CI 1.02, 1.11). CONCLUSION: Residents of SHCs using drugs of narrow therapeutic index, using five or more different medications, and with greater disability warrant periodic monitoring.