Prescriptions and over the counter medications overuse among underserved African American elderly

Purpose: We aimed to describe pattern of medications overuse in prescription and over the counter data in a community-based sample of underserved aged African Americans. Methods: This study recruited 400 elderly African Americans (over 65 years old, taking at least two medications) from 16 churches located in South Los Angeles. Interviewer administer questionnaire was used to collect medication use data. Results: Our data indicates that in total, 3063 medications were used across all pharmaceutical classes by this sample of 400 African American elderly persons participated in this study. There were a total of 796 medications Overuse. Overuse of medication frequency occurred 299 times across all patients. The highest frequency of medication Overuse based on the number of medications (in each class) occurs in the following order: a) Vitamins, Hematinic & Electrolytes (82%), b) Non-Insulin Hypoglycemic Agents (53%), and c) Anti-parkinsonism Agents (50%). Across all Therapeutic classes there were a total of 2366 medications overuse. Overuse of medications frequency occurred 761 times across all patients. The highest frequency of medications overuse based on the number of medications (in each classes) occurs in the following order: a) Cardiovascular, Hypertension & Lipids (96%), b) Vitamin and Health Supplement (82%), c) Autonomic & CNS, Neurology & Psychiatry (79 %).Conclusion: Results suggest there is a need for an interventional study to promote awareness of use and misuse of medications, especially medication Overuse and it is critical that health care providers continue developing technology and resources to address Overuse duplication related issues among the elderly