Background of the Study: Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, is a growing concern, especially among the elderly population. As people age, they often develop multiple chronic conditions, leading to the prescription of several medications simultaneously (Smith et al., 2024). Polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, non-adherence to medication regimens, and hospitalizations, all of which can negatively affect the health and quality of life of elderly patients (Oluwatayo et al., 2023). In Nigeria, the issue of polypharmacy is exacerbated by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, irregular access to medications, and lack of coordination among healthcare providers (Bamidele et al., 2023).
Nurses play a central role in managing polypharmacy in elderly patients by performing medication reconciliations, educating patients about their medications, monitoring for side effects, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals (Jones & Smith, 2024). In Federal Medical Centre, Katsina State, where a significant number of elderly patients receive treatment, polypharmacy poses a particular challenge. Nurses’ role in mitigating the risks associated with polypharmacy has not been fully explored, and this study seeks to investigate the extent to which nurses in Katsina are involved in managing polypharmacy among elderly patients, and the impact of their interventions.
Statement of the Problem: Polypharmacy is a major healthcare challenge among elderly patients, leading to increased health risks such as adverse drug events and complications. Despite the growing recognition of the role of nurses in managing polypharmacy, there is limited research in Katsina State on how nurses address this issue, particularly within the context of Federal Medical Centre. Nurses’ involvement in medication management, although crucial, may be impeded by various factors, including lack of adequate training, time constraints, and insufficient resources. This study will evaluate how nurses in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, manage polypharmacy among elderly patients and identify the challenges they face.
Objectives of the Study:
Research Questions:
Research Hypotheses:
Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on elderly patients receiving care at Federal Medical Centre, Katsina. The research will be limited to exploring the role of nurses in polypharmacy management and may not fully capture the role of other healthcare professionals. Limitations include the potential for reporting biases in interviews and the variability in nursing practices across different wards and departments.
Definitions of Terms:
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV remains one of th...
ABSTRACT
The study examined an investigation into the impact of television series on the nigerian women (a case study o...
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Inter-party alliances have emerged as a st...
Background of the Study
The persistent global challenge of HIV/AIDS demands innovative therapeutic solutions, and drug dis...
ABSTRACT: Assessing the role of early childhood education in promoting inc...
Background of the Study
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges globally, particularly regarding vaccination efforts...
ABSTRACT
Libraries in third world countries despite the constraints of finance confronting them still make huge inve...
Background of the Study
During Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency (2010–2015), several social welfare programs were...
Background of the Study
Economic factors play a crucial role in determining healthcare utilization, as financial constraints often limit...
ABSTRACT
A study was carried to ascertain the potency of some techniques used in diagn...