Rational Drug Use in Older Adults and the Influencing Factors: A cross-sectional study

Aim: This study was conducted to determine rational drug use in older adults and the influencing factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the geriatric outpatient clinic a university hospital between 01 April and 30 June 2022. 513 older adults were included in the scope of the study. The data were collected through face-to-face interview method using the Older Adults Information Form and the Rational Drug Use Scale. Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, Mann Whitney U Test, Kruskal Wallis Test and Spearman’s correlation analysis were used to assess the data. Results: In the study, it was determined that the mean age of the older adults was 70.87±5.95 and their Rational Drug Use Scale mean score was 34.69±4.60. In addition, it was determined that the average of daily medicines taken by the older adults was 4.07±3.29 and 45% of them were polypharmacy. It was found that the older adults who had a bachelor’s degree or higher education level, were living in the city centre, were taking drugs continuously and were using the prescribed drug for the recommended time had a higher Rational Drug Use Scale mean score (p