Intervención farmacéutica en el consumo de medicamentos de adultos mayores de la Parroquia San Luis del Cantón Riobamba

Abstract

The aim of this study was to carry out a pharmaceutical intervention in older adults in San Luis parish, Riobamba city, considering their vulnerability, so that the pharmacist can achieve a positive impact for the population. This longitudinal research used a quasi-experimental design with a prospective descriptive method by means of convenience sampling. A study of older adults was carried out through specific surveys, identifying sociodemographic data, main health problems and most consumed medicines in the period March-July 2022. The initial sample consisted of 422 older adults, however, after an evaluation of the inclusion criteria, the population was reduced to 170 to carry out the pharmaceutical interventions, for which a database of Drug-Related Problems (DRP) was used, considering: adverse reactions, therapy non-compliance, administration, inadequate duration, and incomplete indication, to subsequently resolve or prevent them, as the case may be. The results were tabulated in Excel and subsequently entered into the SPSS software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for descriptive statistical analysis, obtaining 67.7% in the application of education in non-pharmacological measures as the main type of pharmaceutical intervention, an increase from 0 to 63.53% in terms of sufficient knowledge of patients about their medication; in addition, health education was rated by means of a satisfaction survey, finding favorable results. A more active participation of the pharmacist in this age group is recommended, emphasizing the proper use of medications, in order to avoid the occurrence of Drug Related Problems (DRP) and subsequent Negative Outcomes Associated with Medication (NOM).