Prevalence and Predictors of Excessive Polypharmacy in Geriatric Inpatients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in Indonesia

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of excessive polypharmacy in geriatric inpatients in Indonesia. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 1533 inpatients over the age of 60 years at Universitas Airlangga Hospital, Indonesia. Effects of a patient’s baseline characteristics on excessive polypharmacy were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: Excessive polypharmacy was observed in 133 (8.67%) patients. Ulcer (OR 8.151,95% CI 2.234-29.747, P =.001), cancer (OR 5.551, 95% CI 1.602-19.237, P =.007), and renal diseases (OR 3.710, 95% CI 1.965-7.006, P <.001) were the 3 strongest predictors of excessive polypharmacy. An association between hospital stay of more than 3 days and excessive polypharmacy was identified (OR 2.382, 95% CI 1.109-5.115, P =.026). Discussion: One in 12 elderly Indonesians was found to practice excessive polypharmacy. Several chronic conditions and increased length of hospital stay were the factors associated with excessive polypharmacy.