BackgroundPolypharmacy is a growing concern in healthcare systems worldwide, impacting patient safety and healthcare costs. Monitoring its prevalence and trends is essential for effective healthcare management.
AimThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and trends of polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy in Belgium over a decade.
MethodsUtilizing the Belgian Intermutualistic agency database, reimbursed medication data were analyzed from 2012 to 2021. Polypharmacy (≥ 5 medications) and excessive polypharmacy (≥ 10 medications) were evaluated, with prevalence calculated per 1000 inhabitants. Linear regression was employed to examine temporal trends.
ResultsIn 2021, polypharmacy affected 135/1000 and excessive polypharmacy 31/1000 Belgians. Both entities exhibited a notable increasing trend over the 10year period, with excessive polypharmacy rising more prominently. Prevalence was signi cantly higher in older adults (≥ 65 years), reaching 434/1000 for polypharmacy and 106/1000 for excessive polypharmacy. Regional variations were observed, with prevalence highest in the Walloons region. Age and time were identi ed as independent predictors for both polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy (p < 0.001).
ConclusionThis comprehensive analysis highlights concerning increases in polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy over a decade in Belgium, particularly among older adults. Efforts to monitor, manage, and optimize medication use are imperative to ensure safe and effective healthcare delivery.
Impact statementsPolypharmacy is common in the Western world and has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes.Using national claims data, we found that both polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy increased over a ten year period and to a larger extent among older adults.Moreover, substantial regional differences in Belgium were uncovered with regard to medication use.
