Objective:

To analyze the prevalence of polypharmacy, as well as the factors that identify the groups with higher risk, in population study in Mexico.

Materials and Methods:

Descriptive analysis of the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2018-19 (Ensanut 2018-19), Utilization of services (medicine section) and Household questionnaires, to obtain prevalence of polypharmacy (simultaneous consumption ≥5 medicines). A logistic regression model was used to estimate the association of polypharmacy with sociodemographic and health care factors.

Results:

Prevalence of polypharmacy: 18 years, 15.5%, and 65 years, 26.5%. Higher prevalence in: nephropathies (61.5%), heart disease (42.2%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (38.5%), diabetes (29.3%) and hypertension (26.4%). Increased possibility in adults 65 years (OR:1.95), low schooling (OR:1.54), social security (OR:1.64), serviced in public services (OR:1.7) and chronic illness (OR:1.84).

Conclusions:

Polypharmacy is associated with chronic disease and some sociodemographic factors. Large area of opportunity to improve quality of care, particularly pharmacological prescription to identified population with higher risk.

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