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Ghassab-Abdollahi N, Nadrian H, Shaseb E, Kheirollahi N, Hashemiparast M. Self-administration medication errors at home and its predictors among illiterate and low-literate community-dwelling older adults with polypharmacy: A negative binomial hierarchical regression. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302177. [PMID: 38640114 PMCID: PMC11029665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults with polypharmacy are more prone to medication errors. People with low educational attainment have more difficulties in taking their medications. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify the extent of medication self-administration errors (MSEs) and the contributing factors among illiterate and low-literate community-dwelling older adults with polypharmacy. METHOD The present cross-sectional study was conducted among people aged 60 and above. The data were collected using the sociodemographic, clinical, and Belief about Medicines Questionnaires (BMQ). To determine the extent of MSE, a medication error checklist was used. The negative binomial hierarchical regression model in the five blocks was performed. RESULTS The final sample size was 276 people. The frequency of MSEs in the last 6 months was 69.2%. Sixteen percent of participants had made four or more mistakes. The most common MSEs were forgetting, improper taking of medications with food, improper timing, incorrect dosage (lower dose), and forgetting the doctor's instructions. Near 18% of participants reported adverse events following their mistakes. The significant predictors of MSEs were being completely illiterate (p = 0.021), the higher number of doctor visits per year (p = 0.014), irregularly seeing doctors (p < .001), the higher number of medications (p < .001), and having poor medication beliefs (p < .001). CONCLUSION Despite the high prevalence of MSEs among older patients, practical strategies to deal with them at their homes have not been established among health systems. MSE as a multifactorial event can be caused by a collection of internal and external factors. Further studies to identify the role of patients, clinicians, procedures, and systems in developing MSEs as interconnected components are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Ghassab-Abdollahi
- Department of Geriatric Health, Faculty of Health Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Haidar Nadrian
- Department of Health Education & Promotion, School of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elnaz Shaseb
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Narges Kheirollahi
- Department of Geriatric Health, Faculty of Health Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mina Hashemiparast
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Health Education & Promotion, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Adams R, Crisp DA, Thomas J. The Psychological Impacts of Pill Dysphagia: A Mixed Methods Study. Dysphagia 2024:10.1007/s00455-024-10703-4. [PMID: 38634944 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-024-10703-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Pill dysphagia is a common problem amongst older adults, with significant health consequences. Previous research has found that dysphagia can negatively affect an individuals mental health and wellbeing. However, this research has not been extended to pill-specific dysphagia, which presents distinct differences from the challenges posed by swallowing food and liquids. These differences extend to causes, demographics, and physical health ramifications. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature by investigating the effects of pill dysphagia on the wellbeing of older adults. A community sample of 132 Australians aged 65-97 years completed a survey about their wellbeing and difficulty swallowing pills. Thirty-one participants who met the criteria for pill dysphagia completed further open-ended questions detailing the effects of pill dysphagia and how they manage it. Analyses of the quantitative data indicated that difficulty swallowing pills was unrelated to negative affect but negatively related to positive affect, life satisfaction, and eudemonic wellbeing. Supplementary analyses controlling for health-related variables found no significant relationships between difficulty swallowing pills and wellbeing. Responses to the open-ended questions revealed a range of physical, psychological, and practical impacts of pill dysphagia, and successful and unsuccessful methods used to assist in swallowing pills. The findings partially support the hypothesised effects of pill dysphagia on wellbeing. However, further research is required to establish if more severe pill dysphagia predicts wellbeing over and above self-rated health. Future interventions should incorporate wellbeing promotion strategies for older adults with pill dysphagia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Adams
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2617, Australia
| | - Dimity A Crisp
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2617, Australia.
| | - Jackson Thomas
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2617, Australia
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Gutierres LFDS, Montaldi MR, Nascimento WV, Dantas RO. VIDEOFLUOROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF CAPSULE SIZE AND SUBJECT'S AGE AND GENDER ON CAPSULE SWALLOWING. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2024; 61:e23092. [PMID: 38511792 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.246102023-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People recurrently have difficulties swallowing solid medications, which can be associated with the size of the medication and the age and gender of individuals. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of capsule size and adults' age and gender on oral and pharyngeal capsule transit during capsule swallows. METHODS Videofluoroscopy was used to measure capsule oral and pharyngeal transit during swallows in 49 healthy individuals (17 men and 32 women), with a mean age of 46 years (ranging from 23 to 88 years). Smaller capsules were filled with 0.50 mL of barium sulfate, and larger capsules were filled with 0.95 mL of barium sulfate; the volume of liquid ingested with the capsules was also quantified in each ingestion. The measurements included the oral preparation time, oral transit time, swallowing reaction time, time to laryngeal vestibule closure, laryngeal vestibule closure duration, pharyngeal transit time, and upper esophageal sphincter opening duration. RESULTS The capsule size did not influence either the oral or pharyngeal transit time. Increased liquid volume was ingested with larger capsules and by people older than 40 years. The oral transit time was shorter in older adults (60-88 years), and the time to laryngeal vestibule closure was longer in women. CONCLUSION The size of large capsules did not make a difference in oral or pharyngeal transit when compared with smaller capsules. The capsule size and the participant's age influenced the volume of liquid ingested - larger capsules and older individuals required a larger volume. The capsule oral transit was faster in individuals older than 60 years. BACKGROUND •Swallowing is influenced by the characteristics of what is being swallowed. BACKGROUND •There was no difference in swallowing capsules containing 0.50 mL or 0.95 mL. BACKGROUND •Larger capsules need more liquid ingestion to make swallowing easier. BACKGROUND •Individuals older than 40 years need a greater volume of liquid to swallow capsules than younger adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberto Oliveira Dantas
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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4
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Gotoh Y, Tabata Y, Sugiura S, Obara M, Tomita T, Suzuki T. Yoghurt as a deglutition aid for oral medication: effects on famotidine powder dissolution rate and pharmacokinetics. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1993. [PMID: 36737669 PMCID: PMC9898255 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Deglutition aid foods are used to help patients with dysphagia take oral medications. Yoghurt is occasionally used to help swallow medications; however, its influence on pharmacokinetics is poorly understood. Yoghurt made with Lactococcus cremoris subsp. cremoris FC has a characteristic viscous texture that facilitates bolus formation and deglutition due to its metabolite exopolysaccharide. We assessed yoghurt prepared with L. cremoris FC as a food deglutition aid. We performed a dissolution test using famotidine powder mixed with yoghurt and a food thickener. Famotidine dissolution rates without deglutition-assisting foods and with yoghurt or food thickener were 102.3 ± 1.7, 85.7 ± 4.6, and 46.4 ± 1.1% after 15 min, respectively. Next, we orally administered famotidine powder with water, yoghurt, and food thickener to rats and measured plasma famotidine levels. We observed no significant differences between all test groups. The Tmax of famotidine mixed with a food thickener was significantly lower than that with yoghurt. These results suggest that yoghurt with L. cremoris FC did not remarkably affect the dissolution and pharmacokinetic profiles of famotidine powder. Thus, the administration of famotidine with yoghurt might be a suitable alternative to powder administration as a deglutition aid for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayoi Gotoh
- Fujicco Co., Ltd., 6-13-4 Minatojima-Nakamachi, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-8558, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Tabata
- Fujicco Co., Ltd., 6-13-4 Minatojima-Nakamachi, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-8558, Japan
| | - Shinya Sugiura
- Sugi Pharmacy Co., Ltd., 62-1, Shin'e, Yokone-Machi, Obu, Aichi, 474-0011, Japan.,Doctoral Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, 4-21-2 Nakano, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, 164-8530, Japan
| | - Michiko Obara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, 4-21-2 Nakano, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, 164-8530, Japan
| | - Takashi Tomita
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, 4-21-2 Nakano, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, 164-8530, Japan
| | - Toshio Suzuki
- Fujicco Co., Ltd., 6-13-4 Minatojima-Nakamachi, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-8558, Japan.
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Labeit B, Berkovich E, Claus I, Roderigo M, Schwake AL, Izgelov D, Mimrod D, Ahring S, Oelenberg S, Muhle P, Zentsch V, Wenninger F, Suntrup-Krueger S, Dziewas R, Warnecke T. Dysphagia for medication in Parkinson’s disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2022; 8:156. [DOI: 10.1038/s41531-022-00421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractDysphagia is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is assumed to complicate medication intake. This study comprehensively investigates dysphagia for medication and its association with motor complications in PD. Based on a retrospective analysis, a two-dimensional and graduated classification of dysphagia for medication was introduced differentiating swallowing efficiency and swallowing safety. In a subsequent prospective study, sixty-six PD patients underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, which included the swallowing of 2 tablets and capsules of different sizes. Dysphagia for medication was present in nearly 70% of PD patients and predicted motor complications according to the MDS-UPDRS-part-IV in a linear regression model. Capsules tended to be swallowed more efficiently compared to tablets, irrespective of size. A score of ≥1 on the swallow-related-MDS-UPDRS-items can be considered an optimal cut-off to predict dysphagia for medication. Swallowing impairment for oral medication may predispose to motor complications.
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Gong S, Gao Y, Liu J, Li J, Tang X, Ran Q, Tang R, Liao C. The prevalence and associated factors of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1000527. [PMID: 36277913 PMCID: PMC9582284 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1000527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence and associated factors of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease (PD) are different in studies conducted in different countries. The purpose of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of dysphagia in PD and to clarify its associated factors. Methods Two researchers systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database, SinoMed and VIP databases and manually searched references in the retrieved articles to identify potential research subjects. The last search was conducted on June 28, 2022. Finally, a total of 58 studies including 60 observations with 20,530 PD patients were included in our meta-analysis. Results The meta-analysis estimated that the pooled prevalence rate of dysphagia in PD was 36.9% (95% CI: 30.7–43.6%) and instrumental examination showed a higher prevalence (57.3%, 95% CI: 44.3–69.1%). Oceania showed the highest prevalence of dysphagia in PD (56.3%) compared to Africa (39.5%), Asia (38.6%), Europe (36.1%) and America (28.9%). Dysphagia in PD was associated with older age, lower body mass index, longer disease duration, higher Hoehn and Yahr stage and levodopa equivalent daily dose, PIGD subtype, severe motor symptoms, drooling and higher levels of depression, and lower quality of life. Conclusions In conclusion, our meta-analysis showed that dysphagia occurs in more than one-third of PD patients and was associated with several demographic characteristics and PD-related characteristics, motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, as well as decreased quality of life. It deserves early screening, diagnosis, and treatment in clinical practice to prevent serious complications from dysphagia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Gong
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueqin Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Ran
- Endocrinology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rongzhu Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunlian Liao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Chunlian Liao
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Matsuo T, Tabata Y, Sasaki H, Yoshida Y, Gotoh Y, Suzuki T, Obara M, Sadzuka Y, Tomita T. Effects of Yogurt as a Deglutition Aid on Disintegration and Dissolution of Oral Tablets. J Texture Stud 2022; 53:396-404. [PMID: 35147215 PMCID: PMC9303764 DOI: 10.1111/jtxs.12665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Patients with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing oral medications. Swallowing aid foods, such as deglutition aid jellies and food thickeners, are often used to help such patients take oral medications. Yogurt is occasionally used to help swallow medications. It is also advantageous as it is nutritious and easy to swallow. However, the influence of yogurt on the pharmacokinetics of oral medications is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate yogurt as a potential swallowing aid for the intake of oral tablets, by comparing the physical properties and effects of yogurt on disintegration and dissolution profiles of various oral tablets with deglutition aid jelly and xanthan gum‐based food thickener. Yogurt and the food thickener were found to extend the disintegration time of several tablets; however, this increase was unremarkable. Although dissolution of magnesium oxide tablets decreased by 6%, 14%, and 25% after immersion in deglutition aid jelly, food thickener, and yogurt, respectively, at 15 min, this impact on dissolution reduced over time (dissolution rates of all samples at 120 min were over 90%). Rheological measurements showed that yogurt and food thickeners have a weak gel structure and therefore have better fluidity than deglutition aid jelly. The adhesiveness and dynamic viscosity of yogurt were higher than those of the food thickener, which delayed tablet disintegration and reduced the dissolution rate. However, these effects were not substantial. We can thus conclude that yogurt may be a useful swallowing aid for patients with deglutition disorders who take oral medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisuke Matsuo
- Division of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Tabata
- Research and Development Laboratories, Fujicco Co., Ltd., 6-13-4, Minatojima-nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hina Sasaki
- Division of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yuki Yoshida
- Division of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yayoi Gotoh
- Research and Development Laboratories, Fujicco Co., Ltd., 6-13-4, Minatojima-nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toshio Suzuki
- Research and Development Laboratories, Fujicco Co., Ltd., 6-13-4, Minatojima-nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
| | - Michiko Obara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, 4-21-2, Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sadzuka
- Division of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Takashi Tomita
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, 4-21-2, Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Solid Oral Dosage Forms Use in Adults with Neurological Disorders and Swallowing Difficulties: A Scoping Review. Dysphagia 2021; 37:909-922. [PMID: 34652512 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10352-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Swallowing difficulties affects the deglutition of solid oral dosage forms (SODFs) and it is a common problem among neurological disorders. Interventions may improve the use of SODFs in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to map the available research about the interventions aiming the effective and safe use of SODFs in adults with neurological disorders and swallowing difficulties and to identify potential literature gaps in this scientific field. A scoping review was carried out based on Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, in PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases (March 2021). Peer-reviewed observational studies assessed the effectiveness and safety of SODFs in adults with neurological disorders and swallowing difficulties in the healthcare organizations setting were included. 11 studies were included (three case reports, two mixed-methods intervention studies, and six analytic studies). The frequency of women ranged from 49 to 67%, and the age from 57 to 91 years. Most studies (n = 7) included elderly patients, Parkinson (n = 6) and dementia (n = 3). Medication review was the most frequently reported intervention, 35% (9/26). In most studies, interventions were targeted to patients during hospitalization (n = 7) and performed by physicians (n = 8). At least 20 different outcomes were evaluated in the studies. Implementing specific protocols for using SODFs aimed at the swallowing difficulties of this population is not a common practice. Additional studies on interventions aimed at optimizing SODFs are needed to support the safety and efficacy of oral therapy in this patient group.
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Medicine self-administration errors in the older adult population: A systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1877-1886. [PMID: 33811011 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicine self-administration errors (MSEs) are a longstanding issue in patient safety. Although many studies have examined MSEs in the general adult population, the MSEs that occur specifically in the older adult population and their contributing factors are not well understood. OBJECTIVE To identify the types of MSEs and their contributing factors among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus were searched for primary studies published between January 1, 2014 and June 12, 2020. Studies which reported MSEs among community-dwelling older adults (≥50 years of age) and written in English were included in the review. RESULTS Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly reported MSE was a dosing error, followed by missed dose, wrong medicine, incorrect administration methods, wrong administration time and wrong frequency. Seven of the included studies also described factors which contributed to the occurrence of MSEs. The most commonly reported factor contributing to MSEs was complex treatment regimens due to use of multiple medicines. Other factors identified included cognitive decline, decline in physical abilities, lack of social support, lack of knowledge about treatment regimens and negative attitudes and beliefs towards medicines. In most cases, MSEs occurred when multiple contributing factors were present. CONCLUSION The literature highlights a number of types of MSEs and their contributing factors which occur in the older adult population. Given that many MSEs are preventable, future research is needed into how pharmacists can support the identification and mitigation of factors contributing to MSEs in the older adult population.
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Souza LF, Nascimento WV, Alves LMT, Silva ACV, Cassiani RA, Alves DC, Dantas RO. Medication swallowing difficulties in people without dysphagia. REVISTA CEFAC 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-0216/20192140119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the difficulty in swallowing medications and correlate it with age and gender in healthy adults and elderly. Methods: a total of 439 asymptomatic healthy volunteers (270 females and 169 males), who were not taking any medication on a regular basis, aged from 20 to 84 years, were questioned as for dysphagia, by using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Question number five of the EAT-10, specifically, approached the difficulty in swallowing drugs, considering zero as “no swallowing problem” and 1 to 4 as “some degree of difficulty” (4 as great difficulty).The chi-square test (x2) was used for the statistical analysis. Results: a total of 365 (83%) volunteers reported having no difficulty in swallowing medications (89% of men and 80% of women), whereas 74 (17%) reported some degree of difficulty (11% of men and 20% of women)(p = 0.01). These represented 20% of those aged between 20 and 49, and 9% of those aged 50 and over (p = 0.02). Conclusion: in this study, it was observed that both age and gender influence on medication swallowing, a difficulty more frequent among women and young adults. Some degree of difficulty was reported by 17% of the volunteers.
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