Factors associated with the use of dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications in Japanese elderly patients

Shoichi Masumoto; Mikiya Sato; Takami Maeno; Yumiko Ichinohe; Tetsuhiro Maeno

doi:10.1186/s12875-017-0699-9

Factors associated with the use of dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications in Japanese elderly patients

BMC Fam Pract. 2018 Jan 24;19(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s12875-017-0699-9.

Authors

Shoichi Masumoto^{1

2}, Mikiya Sato^{3

4}, Takami Maeno⁵, Yumiko Ichinohe³, Tetsuhiro Maeno⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan. smash422@hotmail.co.jp.
² Kawakita Center for Family Medicine, Kawakita General Hospital, 1-7-3, Asagayakita, Sughinamiku, Tokyo, 166-0001, Japan. smash422@hotmail.co.jp.
³ Kawakita Center for Family Medicine, Kawakita General Hospital, 1-7-3, Asagayakita, Sughinamiku, Tokyo, 166-0001, Japan.
⁴ Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.
⁵ Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.

Abstract

Background: The use of dietary supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is increasing, and there is adequate concern about potential harmful effects. However, there are limited reports on the concurrent use of nonprescription medications with prescription medications in elderly patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to describe the use of dietary supplements and OTC drugs, and to identify predictors for their use in elderly patients using medications prescribed for chronic diseases.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 729 patients aged ≥65 years with chronic diseases, between January and March 2016. Data regarding socio-demographic status, medical condition, number of prescriptions, use of nonprescription medications, and psychological status were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and by review of medical records. Data regarding use of dietary supplements and OTC drugs were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate factors associated with the use of dietary supplements and OTC drugs.

Results: The regular use of nonprescription drugs was reported by 32.5% of patients. Vitamins were the most commonly used dietary supplements in elderly patients. Female sex, higher educational qualifications, and good economic status were identified as predictors for the use of nonprescription medications. Concurrent use of nonprescription medications with more than 5 prescription medications was detected in 12.2% of participants. The disclosure rate of the use of nonprescription medications by patients to the physician was 30.3%.

Conclusion: The use of dietary supplements and OTC drugs was common in elderly patients with chronic diseases, and its use is associated with sex, education, and economic status. General practitioners (GPs) need to recognize the potential use of nonprescription medications, considering that polypharmacy was common and disclosure rate was low in this study.

Keywords: Dietary supplements; Elderly; Nonprescription medications; Over-the-counter drugs; Polypharmacy.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Chronic Disease / drug therapy*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dietary Supplements*
Female
Humans
Japan
Male
Multivariate Analysis
Nonprescription Drugs / therapeutic use*
Polypharmacy
Sex Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

Nonprescription Drugs