Factors associated with the use of hypoglycemic and antihypertensive drugs among the elderly, living in a south-eastern capital city of Brazil

Abstract

Age-related transformations make the elderly more susceptible to medicine adverse events, and knowledge of factors associated with drug use are essential to develop national strategies of prescription. To estimate the prevalence of use of antihypertensive and hypoglycemic agents and investigate the factors associated with their consumption. Household survey among 667 elderly living in Belo Horizonte/MG, interviewed regarding socio-demographic indicator of health conditions and medication use. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Among respondents, 62 % used antihypertensive and 12 % hypoglycemic drugs. Consumption of antihypertensive drugs was associated with a higher number of medical appointments, diabetes and hypertension, more cases of morbidity and use ≥ five active substances. Hypoglycemic drugs consumption was associated with male, older age, higher number of medical appointments, the occurrence of diabetes and hypertension. Considering determinants associated with medication use could help develop strategies for the safe medicine use.