How Rational Is the Use of Medicine in Elderly Individuals?: The Turkey Example

Background/Purpose: The irrational use of medicine in old age can cause serious problems, such as medicine addiction, delirium and falls, and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the use of medicine in elderly people is rational or not. Methods: The sample of this descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of 316 elderly individuals in a city located in the northeast of Turkey. The data were collected using the Elderly Individual Information Form and the Rational Medicine Use Assessment Form. The analysis of the data was performed using the numbers, percentages and the chi-square test in the SPSS 22.00 package program. Results: The study determined that elderly participants 55.4% did not know the name of the medicines. The rate of taking more medicines without consulting a doctor was 9.8%, of discontinuing the medicine when feeling well was 43.4% and of using non-prescription medicines was 16.5%. In addition, 19.9% recommended medicines to others and used medicines recommended by people other than physicians. The rate of the elderly who did not know the medicine-nutrient interaction was 76.6%, while those who did not follow the expiration date of the medicine was 43.7%. Moreover, 68.7% forgot to take their medications, and 59.5% needed help to use their medication. The study determined that socio- demographic characteristics affect rational medicine use in the elderly and that education level is the most important variable. Conclusion: According to the research, the elderly participants did not fulfil the principles of rational medicine use.