ABSTRACT
PIM is defined as a lack of demonstrated indication, high risk of side effects, and a sub-optimal cost effectiveness and/or cost benefit. Little data on potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in older adults with comorbidity are available in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the factors associated with the use of PIM in community-dwelling older adults in Burkina Faso. In 2012, we did a cross-sectional household survey which included 389 older adults in Bobo-Dioulasso. Updated 2012 Beers criteria were used to assess the PIM in older adults aged ⥠60 years. Medications from formal medical source (prescribing) and informal source (informal market, over-the counter and traditional medicines) were included. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with the use of PIM. Proportion of older adults used at least one PIM was 59% (196/332). The most common PIM were traditional medicines 28.97% (62/214), diclofenac 21.03% (45/214) 17.5% (45/214), ibuprofen 7.76% (38/214), aspirin 7.01% (15/214), nifedipine 5.61% (12/214) and reserpine 5.61% (12/214). Polypharmacy (⥠3 drugs), is the independent factor associated with PIM. Our findings highlight the need to think about integrated health care system in order to reduce the PIM among older adults with multiple comorbidities