International Journal of Medicine and Health Development · Published 2026-07-01 · DOI 10.4103/ijmh.ijmh_153_25
Chinmoyee Deori, Jitu Das, Migom Doley, Raktim Borgohain, Gaurab Kumar Gogoi, Hemen Sharma
Abstract Background: Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications, is a significant concern among elderly populations, often necessitated by multimorbidity. While essential for managing chronic conditions, polypharmacy poses risks such as adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and reduced quality of life. With the elderly population growing rapidly in India, particularly in Assam, understanding the factors associated with polypharmacy is crucial for optimizing healthcare delivery. Objective: To determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and identify factors associated with polypharmacy among elderly patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Assam, India. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, in the indoor wards of the General Medicine Department at Lakhimpur Medical College and Hospital, Assam. A total of 1430 elderly patients aged 60 years and above were included. Data on socio-demographics, medical history, and medication use were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more chronic conditions. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21, with a P-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Polypharmacy was observed in 47.13% of participants. Significant predictors included multimorbidity (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.86, P < 0.001) and hospitalization in the past 12 months (adjusted OR = 6.52, P < 0.001). Hypertension (76.85%), dyslipidemia (58.31%), and diabetes mellitus (43.32%) were the most common comorbidities. Awareness of medication side effects was low, with 16.91% of participants with polypharmacy being aware. Conclusion: Polypharmacy is prevalent among elderly patients in Assam, India, driven by multimorbidity and hospitalization history. Targeted interventions, including regular medication reviews, rational prescribing practices, and patient education, are essential to mitigate risks and improve healthcare outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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Deori, C., Das, J., Doley, M., et al. (2026). Factors Associated with Polypharmacy Among Elderly Patients Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Assam, India. International Journal of Medicine and Health Development. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmh.ijmh_153_25