The association between healthcare expenditures and potentially inappropriate medication use in hospitalized older adults in Ethiopia

Résumé

Abstract Background: Evidence shows that potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in older adults significantly increases the utilization of healthcare resources. According to studies, PIM is widely prescribed, but little is known about the correlation between PIM use and the utilization of healthcare resources in Africa, particularly Ethiopia. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to provide local evidence on the presence of an association between healthcare expenditure and the frequency of PIM. Methods: This observational study was conducted from 06 September 2021 to 30 December 2022. A total of 151 hospitalized older adult patients were included in the study. The data collection format was designed to capture relevant information. STATA V.15.0 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics and a generalized linear model regression were conducted. Statistical significance was set at a p-value <0.05. The findings are presented in tables, figures, and text. Results: The total healthcare expenditure was higher in PIM users (385368.6 ETB) than in non-PIM users (131267.7 ETB). The median expenditures for medical supplies (p=0.025), investigations (p=0.033), and total healthcare expenditure (p=0.023) were significantly higher in patients with ≥2 PIMs than in those with no or one PIM. However, after model adjustment, the total healthcare expenditure was not significantly different across the frequency of PIMs used. Number of medications (adjusted B=0.068, 95% CI: 0.035, 0.101, p<0.001) and taking blood and blood-forming organ class of medication (adjusted B=0.151, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.297, p=0.042) were associated with higher total healthcare expenditure, whereas the total healthcare expenditure was significantly lower in those patients with diseases of the nervous system (adjusted B= -0.307, 95% CI: -0.502, -0.112, p=0.002) and respiratory system (adjusted B= -0.196, 95% CI: -0.327, -0.065, p=0.003). Conclusion: The total healthcare expenditure is nearly three times higher in PIM users. However, its association with the frequency of PIM use was not statistically significant in the final model. Strengthening assessment and interventions on the possibility of deprescribing medications may help reduce total healthcare expenditures. The authors also recommend a similar, adequately powered local study.

Citer ce document

Accès au document

Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter

Auteur(s)

Statistiques

Consultations : 1

Téléchargements : 0