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Hopkins RE, Bharat C, Buizen L, Close J, Ivers R, Draper B, Pearson SA, Degenhardt L, Gisev N. Age-Related Risk of Serious Fall Events and Opioid Analgesic Use. JAMA Intern Med 2024; 184:394-401. [PMID: 38373005 PMCID: PMC10877504 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.8154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Importance Opioid analgesics may be associated with increased risk of falls, particularly among older adults. Objective To quantify the age-related risk of serious fall events among adults prescribed opioids by opioid exposure, time from initiation, and daily dose. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based cohort study conducted in New South Wales, Australia, used data linking national pharmaceutical claims to national and state datasets, including information on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, medicines use, health services utilization, and mortality (POPPY II study). It included adults (18 years or older) who initiated prescription opioid treatment, which was defined as no prior dispensing during the preceding 365 days, between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from February to June 2023. Exposure Time-dependent periods of opioid exposure were evaluated from dispensing records. Main Outcome and Measures Serious fall events identified from emergency department, hospitalization, and mortality records. Negative binomial models were used to assess associations between time-dependent opioid exposure (overall, by time from initiation, and by dose), age, and risk of fall events. Models were adjusted for known fall risk factors, including other fall risk-increasing drugs, frailty risk, and prior serious fall events. Results The cohort comprised 3 212 369 individuals who initiated prescription opioid treatment (1 702 332 women [53%]; median [IQR] age at initiation, 49 [32-65] years). Overall, 506 573 serious fall events were identified, including 5210 fatal falls. During exposure to opioids, the risk of serious fall events was elevated among all age groups; compared with the group aged 18 to 44 years, this risk was highest among those 85 years or older (adjusted incident rate ratio, 6.35; 95% CI, 6.20-6.51). Across all age groups, the first 28 days following opioid initiation was a time of increased serious fall risk; this risk increased with age. Among individuals aged 18 to 84 years, associations were identified between higher daily opioid doses and serious fall events. Conclusions and Relevance The results of this cohort study suggest that prescription opioids were associated with increased risk of serious fall events among adults of all ages, with individuals 85 years or older at greatest risk. These risks should be considered when prescribing opioids, particularly for individuals with preexisting risk factors or when opioids are prescribed at higher doses. Targeted falls prevention efforts may be most effective within the first month following opioid initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria E. Hopkins
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chrianna Bharat
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke Buizen
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Close
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Ivers
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sallie-Anne Pearson
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasa Gisev
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Bjelkarøy MT, Benth JŠ, Simonsen TB, Siddiqui TG, Cheng S, Kristoffersen ES, Lundqvist C. Measuring pain intensity in older adults. Can the visual analogue scale and the numeric rating scale be used interchangeably? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 130:110925. [PMID: 38143014 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Visual analogue scale (VAS) and numeric rating scale (NRS) are two commonly used instruments for measuring pain intensity. Both instruments are validated for use in both clinical and research settings, and share a range of similar aspects. Some studies have shown that the two instruments may be used interchangeably, but the results are conflicting. In this study we assessed whether the VAS and the NRS instruments may be used interchangeably when measuring pain intensity in older adults. METHODS Data were collected in a cross-sectional study, as part of the follow-up in a larger longitudinal study conducted at the Akershus University Hospital, Norway 2021 to 2022 and included 39 older adults aged ≥65. Participants were regarded as a normal older adult population as they were not recruited on basis of a specific condition or reports of pain. The participants were asked to rate their pain intensity on an average day using VAS and NRS. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to assess agreement between the two instruments. RESULTS Thirty-seven participants with mean (SD) age of 77 (5.9) were included in the analysis. Mean (SD) pain assessed by VAS and NRS was 2.8 (1.8) and NRS 4.7 (2.2), respectively. A mean difference (SD) of 2.0 (1.9) between the scores of the two instruments was statistically significantly different from zero (p < 0.001) confirming bias. The 95% limits of agreement were estimated to be -1.7 to 5.7. A post-hoc analysis, removing an outlier, resulted in similar conclusions. CONCLUSION There was poor agreement between the VAS and NRS scale for measuring pain intensity in older adults. This suggests that the two instruments should not be used interchangeably when assessing pain intensity in this population. ETHICAL APPROVAL Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics [2016/2289]. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03162081, 22 May 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Torheim Bjelkarøy
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway.
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway.
| | | | - Tahreem Ghazal Siddiqui
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway.
| | - Socheat Cheng
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Espen Saxhaug Kristoffersen
- Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Christofer Lundqvist
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.
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Bjelkarøy MT, Simonsen TB, Siddiqui TG, Cheng S, Grambaite R, Benth JŠ, Lundqvist C. Mortality and health-related quality of life in older adults with long-term use of opioids, z-hypnotics or benzodiazepines: a prospective observational study at 5 years follow-up. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079347. [PMID: 38387984 PMCID: PMC10882342 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disease and medication use in older age is a consequence of age-related declining health. Multimorbidity followed by polypharmacy is common. Central nervous system depressing (CNSD) drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics are not recommended for long-term use in older adults but are in use by many. We aimed to assess mortality and change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults with long-term use of CNSDs. METHOD A prospective observational study was conducted at Akershus University Hospital, Norway, 2017-2019, with follow-up in 2021-2022, including 246 participants aged 65-90. At 5-year follow-up, 78 (32%) participants had passed away. Mortality data were collected from patient electronic health records. Of the surviving 168 (68%), we collected further follow-up data from 38 (16%) participants. Follow-up included demographic and clinical data. The EuroQuol Group EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was used to measure HRQoL. Analysis include Cox regression model for survival data and linear mixed model for change in HRQoL over time. RESULTS At follow-up, 78 (31.7%) were deceased. Mean survival time was 3.3 years. Total time for survival data was 4.7 years. Mortality was higher among participants with long-term use of CNSD (HR 1.9 95% CI (1.2 to 3.2), p=0.01). The multivariable analysis found being older (HR 1.1 95% CI (1.0 to 1.1), p=0.020) and male sex (HR 2.1 95% CI (1.2 to 3.5), p=0.008) to be associated with increased risk of mortality. According to the linear mixed model (n=38), there was no significant difference between surviving users and non-users in change in HRQoL EQ-5D-5L index from baseline to follow-up. CONCLUSION Mortality was higher for long-term users of CNSDs at 5-year follow-up. Being older and male sex were associated with mortality. Among survivors, there was no significant difference between the groups in change of HRQoL over time. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03162081; 22 May 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Socheat Cheng
- Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ramune Grambaite
- Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Bjelkarøy MT, Simonsen TB, Siddiqui TG, Halset S, Cheng S, Grambaite R, Benth JŠ, Gerwing J, Kristoffersen ES, Lundqvist C. Brief Intervention as a Method to Reduce Z-Hypnotic Use by Older Adults: Feasibility Case Series. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51862. [PMID: 38329779 PMCID: PMC10884901 DOI: 10.2196/51862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Z-hypnotics or z-drugs are commonly prescribed for insomnia and sleep difficulties in older adults. These drugs are associated with adverse events and dependence and are not recommended for long-term use. Despite evidence of older adults being more sensitive to a wide array of adverse events and clinical guidelines advocating limiting use, inappropriate use in this population is still prevalent. Previous intervention studies have focused mainly on prescriber information. Simple, individually focused intervention designs are less studied. Brief intervention (BI) is a simple, easily transferable method mainly used to treat patients at risk of alcohol overuse. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to design and test the feasibility and acceptability of a BI intervention adapted to address individual, inappropriate use of z-hypnotics among older adults. This preparatory study aimed to optimize the intervention in advance of a quantitative randomized controlled trial investigating the treatment effect in a larger population. METHODS This feasibility case series was conducted at Akershus University Hospital, Norway, in autumn 2021. We included 5 adults aged ≥65 years with long-term (≥4 weeks) use of z-hypnotics and 2 intervening physicians. Additionally, 2 study investigators contributed with process evaluation notes. The BI consists of information on the risk of inappropriate use and individualized advice on how to reduce use. The focus of the intervention is behavioral and aims, in cooperation with the patient and based on shared decision-making, to change patient behavior regarding sleep medication rather than physician-based detoxification and termination of z-hypnotic prescriptions. Qualitative and descriptive quantitative data were collected from intervening physicians, study investigators, and participants at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at the 6-week follow-up. RESULTS Data were obtained from 2 physicians, 2 study investigators, and 5 participants (4 women) with a median age of 84 years. The average time spent on the BI consultation was 15 minutes. All 5 participants completed the intervention without problems. The participants and 2 intervening physicians reported the intervention as acceptable and were satisfied with the delivery of the intervention. After the intervention, 2 participants stopped their use of z-hypnotics completely and participated in the follow-up interview. Study investigators identified logistical challenges regarding location and time requirements. Identified aspects that may improve the intervention and reduce dropouts included revising the intervention content, focusing on rebound insomnia, adding an information leaflet, and supporting the patient in the period between the intervention and follow-up. The notion that the intervention should best be located and conducted by the patient's own general practitioner was supported by the participants. CONCLUSIONS We identified important aspects to improve the designed intervention and found that the BI is feasible and acceptable for incorporation into a larger randomized trial investigating the treatment effect of BI for reducing z-hypnotic use by older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03162081; http://tinyurl.com/rmzx6brn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Torheim Bjelkarøy
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Tone Breines Simonsen
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Tahreem Ghazal Siddiqui
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Sigrid Halset
- Department of Geriatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Socheat Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Ramune Grambaite
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Jennifer Gerwing
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Espen Saxhaug Kristoffersen
- Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christofer Lundqvist
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
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Kralj M, Šolić K, Lovrić R. The (Mis)use of Psychotropic Drugs and Addiction to Anxiolytics among Older Adults Living at Home or in Retirement Homes: Implications for Quality of Life. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2908. [PMID: 37958052 PMCID: PMC10647519 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the growing number of people aged 65+ has become a global phenomenon. At that age, the most common medical problems are multimorbidity and inappropriate polypharmacy, which have a negative impact on the quality of life in older adults. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine comorbidity, the use of psychopharmaceuticals, and symptoms of addiction to anxiolytics among older adults living at home or in retirement homes, and to examine the differences in quality of life in relation to the use and misuse of psychotropic drugs. The research included 383 people aged 65+ living in the Republic of Croatia (EU). A standardized questionnaire CAGE was used to collect data about the use of psychotropic drugs. Quality of life was examined using the WHOQOL-BREF scale. The average age of respondents was 83 years. There is a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety disorders (p = 0.001) in respondents who live at home. Psychopharmaceuticals were used by 218 (56.9%) respondents, equally in both groups of respondents. A total of 77 (20.1%) respondents had been using anxiolytics for more than five years, while 26 (6.8%) of them had significant clinical symptoms of addiction to anxiolytics. All domains and the overall quality of life scale were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in respondents who have clinical symptoms of anxiolytic addiction. The results indicate that the use of psychotropic drugs by respondents is inappropriate. Respondents who inappropriately and excessively use psychotropic drugs have a significantly worse quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Kralj
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.K.); (K.Š.)
- Nursing Institute “Professor Radivoje Radić”, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Krešimir Šolić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.K.); (K.Š.)
| | - Robert Lovrić
- Nursing Institute “Professor Radivoje Radić”, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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González-Munguía S, Munguía-López O, Sánchez Sánchez E. Pharmacist comprehensive review of fall-risk-increasing drugs and polypharmacy in elderly Spanish community patients using RStudio®. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17079. [PMID: 37383189 PMCID: PMC10293665 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to identify and analyze adults aged ≥65 years living in the Canary Islands, Spain, who are prescribed medications that increase the risk of falls and are polymedicated. To do so we have made use of the electronic prescription and the RStudio®. Method For the detection of Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs (FRIDs), outpatient electronic prescription dispensing data were used in two pharmacies. A total of 118,890 dispensations grouped into 15,601 treatment plans for 2,312 patients were analyzed. The FRIDs analyzed were antipsychotics (APSI), benzodiazepines (BZPN), antidepressants (DEPR), opioids (OPIO) and Z-hypnotics (ZHIP). For the development of the algorithms for the construction of tables and data screening, the statistical programming language RStudio® was used. Results Of the total number of patients and prescriptions analyzed, 46.6% were polymedicated and 44.3% had prescribed an FRID. 28.7% of the patients presented both factors, had a dispensation from an FRID and were polymedicated. Of the 14,278 dispensations with FRID, 49% had a benzodiazepine, 22.7% opioids, 18% antidepressants, 5.6% hypnotics, and finally 4.4% antipsychotics. At least 32% of the patients had been dispensed a benzodiazepine together with another FRID and 23% an opioid together with another FRID. Conclusions The method of analysis developed and applied in RStudio® allows to detect and determine in a simple and fast way polymedicated patients, as well as the number and therapeutic class of drugs in their treatment plan and identify prescriptions that can increase the risk of falls. Our results show a high number of prescriptions for benzodiazepines and opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia González-Munguía
- Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Servicio de Farmacia. Carretera General del Rosario, 145 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 38010 Tenerife, Spain
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Tenerife, Spain
| | - Obdulia Munguía-López
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Tecnología Farmacéutica, UD Farmacia y Tecnologia Farmacéutica. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Tenerife, Spain
| | - Esther Sánchez Sánchez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Tecnología Farmacéutica, UD Farmacia y Tecnologia Farmacéutica. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Tenerife, Spain
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Pitrou I, D'Aiuto C, Lunghi C, Guénette L, Berbiche D, Bertrand K, Vasiliadis HM. Changes in self-rated physical and mental health and life satisfaction associated with opioid and potentially inappropriate opioid prescribing in primary care older adults. Fam Pract 2023:7147063. [PMID: 37119373 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine changes in life satisfaction and physical and mental health associated with opioid and potentially inappropriate opioid prescribing (PIOP) among older adults. METHODS Secondary data analysis from the Étude sur la Santé des Aînés (ESA)-Services study. The sample consisted of 945 older adults recruited in primary care with available health survey information linked to administrative medical record data. The exposure of interest was categorized as no prescription, opioid prescription, and PIOP, defined using the Beers criteria. Outcomes were self-rated physical health, mental health, and life satisfaction measured at baseline and at a 3-year follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine 3-year changes in outcomes as a function of opioid prescribing. Analyses were adjusted for covariates relating to health, psychosocial, and sociodemographic factors as well as duration/frequency of opioid prescribing. Analyses were conducted in the overall sample and in non-cancer patients. RESULTS The sample had an average age of 73.1 years; the majority was Canadian-born (96.3%) while females made up over half (55.4%) the sample. Compared to not receiving an opioid prescription, PIOP was associated with a deterioration in physical health (ORadjusted = 0.65; 95%CI = 0.49, 0.86), but not mental health and life satisfaction. In non-cancer patients, PIOP was associated with poorer physical health (ORadjusted = 0.59; 95%CI = 0.40, 0.87) and opioid prescribing was marginally associated with improved life satisfaction (ORadjusted = 1.58; 95%CI = 0.96, 2.60). CONCLUSION PIOP was associated with a deterioration in physical health. Patient-centred chronic pain management and the effect on health and well-being require further study in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Pitrou
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Canada
- Charles-Le Moyne Research Center (CRCLM), Longueuil, Canada
| | - Carina D'Aiuto
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Canada
- Charles-Le Moyne Research Center (CRCLM), Longueuil, Canada
| | - Carlotta Lunghi
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Lévis, Canada
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medical and surgical sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Line Guénette
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Djamal Berbiche
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Canada
- Charles-Le Moyne Research Center (CRCLM), Longueuil, Canada
| | - Karine Bertrand
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Canada
- Charles-Le Moyne Research Center (CRCLM), Longueuil, Canada
| | - Helen-Maria Vasiliadis
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Canada
- Charles-Le Moyne Research Center (CRCLM), Longueuil, Canada
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Fernandez-Feijoo F, Samartin-Veiga N, Carrillo-de-la-Peña MT. Quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: Contributions of disease symptoms, lifestyle and multi-medication. Front Psychol 2022; 13:924405. [PMID: 36262444 PMCID: PMC9574370 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.924405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disease characterized by the presence of chronic and widespread musculoskeletal pain, which causes a high negative impact on the quality of life (QoL). Although there are many studies about the QoL of patients with FM, it is unknown which variables have a main influence on it. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to determine which FM symptoms predict a worse QoL and also to establish whether lifestyle and multi-medication are associated to QoL. We assessed a sample of 134 women with FM using a semi-structured clinical interview to explore lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking) and medication use, and questionnaires to cover the main symptoms of this disease and QoL (SF-36). We found that the patients with FM had a poor QoL, being “physical pain” and “vitality” the most affected domains. A linear regression analysis showed that depression and anxiety assessed by HADS were the FM symptoms which most significantly predicted QoL, explaining 49% of the variance. Concerning lifestyle/medication influences, we found that multiple drug treatment and smoking also predicted a worse QoL (14%). Moreover, patients who practiced exercise regularly showed better QoL than patients who did not (regardless of the severity of FM). Thus, our results suggest that treatment strategies to improve QoL in FM should be focused on improving psychological distress, promoting regular exercise and reducing smoking and multi-medication. The data highlights the role of positive self-management practices to improve QoL in FM.
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Bjelkarøy MT, Cheng S, Siddiqui TG, Benth JŠ, Grambaite R, Kristoffersen ES, Lundqvist C. The association between pain and central nervous system depressing medication among hospitalised Norwegian older adults. Scand J Pain 2022; 22:483-493. [PMID: 34913326 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2021-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Central nervous system depressant medications (CNSD) including benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics and opioids are regularly prescribed for the older patient. These medications are linked to dependence and associated with severe side effects in some older patients. Consensus recommendations for this group suggest limiting their use. We have recently described a high proportion of long-term CNSD use and dependence among older in-hospital patients. In this study, we aim to investigate factors associated with pain intensity and presentation of pain among older adults with long-term use of CNSDs compared to non-users. METHODS Two hundred and forty six elderly hospitalised patients were recruited consecutively in a cross-sectional study. Data was collected from patients and electronic health records (EHR). Independent variables were sex, age, education, emotional symptoms (hospital anxiety and depression scale [HADS]), cognitive function (Mini-mental State Examination test [MMSE]), comorbidity (cumulative illness rating score - geriatrics [CIRS-G]), loneliness (the six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale) and prolonged (≥4 weeks) use of any CNSDs or prolonged use of opioids (≥4 weeks). All variables, including pain intensity, were collected at one time point consistent with the cross-sectional study design. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and linear regression models using the above mentioned variables and pain intensity (visual analogue scale for pain intensity [VAS] pain 0-100) as outcome. Additional information regarding pain presentation was extracted from the patients' EHR. RESULTS Mean pain intensity VAS (SD) was 35.2 (30.4) and 18.1 (24.2) respectively, for patients with vs. without prolonged use of CNSDs. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, prolonged use of CNSDs and opioids were positively associated with pain intensity (VAS) (regression coefficient (95% CI) 20.7 (11.0; 30.3), p<0.001, and 19.8 (5.7; 33.8), p=0.006, respectively), while sex, age, education, MMSE, HADS, CIRS-G and loneliness scores were not. Pain related to back (23.2%) and lower extremities (23.2%) were most common pain sites, and those with one or more pain sites reported overall higher pain intensity compared to those with no reported pain sites (p<0.006). CONCLUSIONS Prolonged use of CNSD medications as well as prolonged use of opioids are both positively associated with pain intensity. The results may have implications for treatment and long-term pain management for older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Torheim Bjelkarøy
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lorenskog, Norway
| | - Socheat Cheng
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lorenskog, Norway
| | - Tahreem Ghazal Siddiqui
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lorenskog, Norway
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lorenskog, Norway
| | - Ramune Grambaite
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Espen Saxhaug Kristoffersen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lorenskog, Norway
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christofer Lundqvist
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lorenskog, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Akershus Univeristy Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
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García Atienza EM, López-Torres Hidalgo J, Minuesa García M, Ruipérez Moreno M, Lucas Galán FJ, Agudo Mena JL. [Health-related quality of life in patients consuming benzodiazepine]. Aten Primaria 2021; 53:102041. [PMID: 33780900 PMCID: PMC8041718 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2021.102041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in benzodiazepine users and to verify whether there is an association with the characteristics of the treatment, its effectiveness, and the sociodemographic variables. DESIGN Descriptive cross-sectional study. LOCATION Family medicine consultations. PARTICIPANTS Four hundred and fifty 2patients over 18 years of age consuming benzodiazepines or similar drugs. MAIN MEASUREMENTS HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol5-D questionnaire. Other variables: symptoms of anxiety or insomnia, sociodemographic variables and characteristics of the treatment. RESULTS The mean score in health status was 62.80 (95% CI: 60.69-64.86), lower in people without studies (59.27±21.97 SD; P=.004) and lower social category (60.02±21.27 SD; P<.001). Regarding the social rate (EQ index), a mean score of 0.6025 (95% CI: 0.5659-0.6391) was obtained, higher in people with higher education (0.6577±0.3574 SD; P=.001), plus social category (0.7286±0.3381 SD; P<.001) and age less than 65 years (0.6603±0.3426 SD; P<.001). The variables that were associated with the value of the EQ index by means of multiple regression were absence of anxiety/insomnia, belonging to higher social classes, age less than 65 years and less consumption of anxiolytics/hypnotics. CONCLUSIONS Patients who use benzodiazepines show, despite treatment, a moderate HRQL, lower than that obtained in the general population or in primary care patients. The situation is more favorable in the youngest, in those who do not present anxiety/insomnia, in those belonging to higher social classes and when the consumption of drugs is lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva María García Atienza
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital General de Villarrobledo, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, AlbaceteEspaña.
| | | | - María Minuesa García
- Centro de Salud de Loja y consultorios de Ventorros de Balerma y Ventorros de la Laguna, Distrito Metropolitano de Granada, España
| | - María Ruipérez Moreno
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital General de Villarrobledo, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, AlbaceteEspaña
| | - Francisco Javier Lucas Galán
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital General de Villarrobledo, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, AlbaceteEspaña
| | - José Luis Agudo Mena
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital General de Villarrobledo, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, España
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