Depression, gender, and age and the risk for adverse drug events among community-dwelling seniors

Background: Adverse drug events (ADE) are prevalent among seniors. The identification of potential risk factors for ADE can help to prevent negative effects of multiple medications use in older adults' health and identify those at higher risk.

Objective: The goal of the study was to identify potential risk factors for ADE among Nevada seniors who participated in the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program offered by the Sanford Center for Aging at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Methods: Cross sectional data was analyzed using logistic regression modeling to determine the variables associated with the risk of experiencing an ADE among Nevada seniors. Participants included seniors who opted to participate in the MTM program, between July 2005 and June 2007 (N = 153).

Results: Logistic regression analysis indicated that among Nevada seniors, being male (OR: 2.88, 90% CI: 1.3, 6.5), reporting at least one sign/symptom of depression (OR: 5.35, 90% CI: 2.5, 11.5), and being between 75-84 years old (OR: 7.78, 90% CI: 2.2, 27.3), significantly increase the risk of having an ADE. Neither number of medications, number of medical conditions, nor use of multiple pharmacies was significantly associated with the risk of experiencing an ADE.

Conclusions: Future studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to fully understand the implications of ADE on seniors' health and identify groups at higher risk. Preventive actions should focus on older adults at higher risk for experiencing an ADE. Findings from this study should be used to guide future public health research and interventions.