Introduction and Objective: Polypharmacy is a major challenge in healthcare for the elderly population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and identify associated factors among older adults presenting to the emergency department.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 384 patients aged ≥60 years who visited the emergency department of Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Tehran (2023-2024) were selected via simple random sampling. Data were collected through interviews using a researcher-developed checklist. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications. Data were analyzed in SPSS using chi-square and logistic regression tests.
Findings: Among 384 patients, 188 (48.95%) had polypharmacy. The mean age was 71.2 years, and 52.08% were male. The number of comorbidities was the strongest predictor of polypharmacy (P < 0.001, OR = 4.44). Advanced age (≥80 years) was significantly associated with polypharmacy (P < 0.001, OR = 2.05), as was female gender (P < 0.05, OR = 1.15).
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of polypharmacy among elderly emergency department patients and its significant association with comorbidities, advanced age, and female gender, implementing medication review programs and developing localized national guidelines for rational prescribing are essential.