Risk factors for medication errors among chronically ill adults

Abstract EN

Purpose : To examine risk factors for medication errors among no institutionalized ambulatory patients with chronic medical conditions in Jordan.

Methods : This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design.

We recruited 312 patients from three comprehensive primary heath care centers.

Data were collected on present health problems and prescribed medication through review of medical records and patient interviews.

Results : Patients had a mean (±SD) age of 62 (± 8.9) years (range 5590), 60%were men, and 37% were illiterate.

Approximately 33% had hypertension only, 23% had diabetes only, and 30% had diabetes and hypertension concurrently.

Lack of knowledge in benefits (odds ratio {OR}, 4.27, 95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.10-5.88; P<0.001), lack of knowledge in side effects (OR, 2.54, 95% CI, 1.50-4.32; P<0.001), lack of knowledge in management of side effects of prescribed medications (OR, 2.10, 95% CI, 1.30-3.95; P<0.001), total number of prescribed medications (OR, 1.90, 95% CI, 1.26-2.38; P<0.001), and level of education (OR, 4.50, 95% CI, 3.20-5.56; P<0.001), were associated with higher odds of medication errors.

Conclusion : Patient literacy and their knowledge about medications and their side-effects are associated with medication errors in ambulatory patients with chronic disease.