Evaluation of Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions Among the Geriatric Population in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia via the STOPP/START Criteria, Version 3: A Multicentric Study.

BACKGROUND

Older populations are prone to various chronic diseases and takes polypharmacy, which can lead to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), causing several complications. This research aimed to estimate PIMs and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) in older adults via the STOPP/START criteria, version 3.

METHODS

This multicentric retrospective observational study was executed among subjects aged ≥ 65 years, who were hospitalized at two Ministry hospitals from July 2023 to June 2024. The medicines of the geriatric population were assessed for PIMs/PPOs via the STOPP/START criteria, version 3. The data were scrutinized via SPPSS 27. Descriptive statistics were performed for qualitative and quantitative data. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to evaluate the effects of sex, age, comorbidities and medicines on PIMs and PPOs. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate potential multicollinearity among the predictors associated with PIMs and PPOs.

RESULTS

In total, 385 subjects were included in this study. The participants' mean age was 75.7 ± 8.76 years and 50.13% were male. Among the study population, 48.83% had potentially inappropriate prescriptions, 37.66% with PIMs and 20.52% with PPOs. In total, 190 PIMs and 108 PPOs were identified, and the most frequently prescribed PIM was calcium channel blockers (20%). Comorbidities were significantly associated with PIMs and PPOs.

CONCLUSION

Overall, 48.83% of the prescriptions were potentially inappropriate. The percentage of PIMs/PPOs is lower in our population than in previous versions of the STOPP/START criteria. However, scheduled audits should be performed to keep the PIMs/PPOs at the lowest range. A comprehensive list of medications that are appropriate or inappropriate for use in older adults should be established, and prescribers should consult this list before prescribing to help prevent potentially inappropriate prescriptions.