Effects of metabolic syndrome on the correlation between the most common groups of prescribed medications and the risk of fall in Brazilian elderly people

Abstract

Background Aging is an irreversible process of all living beings and one of the great challenges we have to face is learning how to live healthier. Several health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, depression, hypertension, metabolic disorders, and falls, are related to senescence and can directly affect quality of life around the world. In addition to these physiological disorders, the use of medications can directly affect the quality of life of the elderly, and some studies have already reported the correlation between metabolic syndrome, prescription medications, and injury caused by falling. Methods This study was conducted with a group of 102 adults over 60 years of age, including volunteers in the city of Viçosa - Minas Gerais, Brazil. The instruments of analysis were performed using three types of tests: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Functional Reach Test, and the Tandem Test. Two questionnaires were used - the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and quality of life questionnaire (the Short Form [SF]-36) - in order to establish a connection between the intake of prescription of medication and the quality of life of this population. The statistical analysis was performed using R software version 3.2.2. Results The analysis of factors indicated that risk of fall was directly related to the amount of medications used by patients. The medicines associated with the risk of falls were grouped into nine categories: 28%, antihypertensive; 17%, anti-cholesterolemic; 8%, cardiovascular agents; 2%, musculoskeletal pain; 2%, hormones; 14%, central nervous system agents;6%, vitamins, 8%,anti-diabetic; and 15%, other target action medication. When the risk of fall was compared according to each category, the most significant difference in proportion was observed when related to central nervous system. Conclusion The data analysis showed that type of medications prescribed should be considered to better understand how some are related to the risk of fall in elderly people. The knowledge of how some prescribed medications can affect the way of life in the elderly community helps to guide some clinicians’ orientations to prevent possible injuries.