Abstract

MENDOZA, Laura et al. Polipharmacy impact on quality of life of elderly living in a geriatric center of Zulia State. AVFT [online]. 2016, vol.35, n.2, pp.47-52. ISSN 0798-0264.

The aim of this trial was To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in older people with polypharmacy residing in a geriatric center of Zulia State, Venezuela. 39 institutionalized ancients answered through a face-to-face interview the SF-36 instrument and a personal file designed to collect sociodemographic data and health-related aspects. The mean age was 76,18 ± 7,80 years, 51,3% men and 48,7% women. Physical functioning obtained the lowest score (31,41), followed by general health (51,66). Social functioning (79,16) and role emotional (76,06) showed the best average. Mental component summary (MCS) attained better score than physical component summary (PCS), with a mean of (67,53) and (58,71), respectively. Positive correlation was found between MCS and PCS scores. Elderlies with polypharmacy had lower scores in all dimensions and summary scales of SF-36, being statistically significative on physical functioning, general health, social functioning, role emotional, MCS and PCS (p < 0,05).. Patients with polypharmacy have worse perception of their QoL than those without polypharmacy. Among health politics, should be taken as a priority to design and perform programs in order to guarantee a whole bio-psycho-social wellbeing in elderlies, simplifying number of medications in order to improve their QoL.

Keywords : quality of life; institutionalized older people; geriatric center; polypharmacy.

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