Prevalence and Associated Factors of Polypharmacy Among Emirati Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Older adults are vulnerable to inappropriate prescribing and polypharmacy, yet data from the United Arab Emirates are scarce. We estimated the prevalence and correlates of polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy among Emirati community-dwelling older adults. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional study of 200 Emiratis aged ≥60 years registered at primary health centers in Ras Al Khaimah used convenience sampling. Data on chronic conditions, medications, and function (Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living [Katz ADL]; Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale [Lawton IADL]) were collected using a structured Arabic questionnaire. Polypharmacy was defined as 5-9 and hyper-polypharmacy as ≥10 medications. <b>Results:</b> Overall, 60% used 5-9 and 40% ≥10 medications; 90% had ≥1 chronic disease and 83% used non-prescribed drugs, commonly analgesics, vitamins, and laxatives. Higher medication burden was associated with poorer ADL and IADL. Younger age and lower Katz ADL scores predicted hyper-polypharmacy. <b>Conclusions:</b> Polypharmacy is highly prevalent and linked to functional limitations, supporting routine medication review, deprescribing, and monitoring of non-prescribed use.