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Willingness to deprescribe predictors among Portuguese older adults: a cross-sectional study
  • Anabela Pereira,
  • Oscar Ribeiro,
  • Manuel T. Veríssimo
Anabela Pereira
University of Aveiro

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Oscar Ribeiro
University of Aveiro
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Manuel T. Veríssimo
Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR)
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Abstract

Background: Deprescribing is a complex process requiring a patient-centred approach. One frequently expressed deprescribing barrier is patients’ attitudes and beliefs toward reducing or stopping a medication. This study aims to identify the willingness to deprescribe predictors in a sample of Portuguese older patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study with community-dwelling patients aged ≥ 65 and taking at least one regular medication. Data collection included patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics and the Portuguese Revised Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present patients’ characteristics and attitudes towards deprescribing. A multiple binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify willingness to desprescribe predictors. Results: 192 participants (median age 72 years; 65.6% female) were included. A large majority (83.33%) were willing to deprescribe if recommended by their doctor. The willingness to desprescribe predictors were age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)= 1.136), female sex (aOR= 3.036), and the rPATD concerns about stopping (aOR= 0.391). Conclusions: Most patients were willing to deprescribe if recommended by their doctor. Older age and female sex increase the odds of willingness to deprescribe; conversely, higher concerns about stopping medications decrease the odds. These findings suggest that addressing patients’ concerns about stopping their medicines may contribute to deprescribing success.
20 Jan 2023Submitted to Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
23 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
23 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
23 Jan 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
24 Jan 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
19 Feb 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
01 Mar 20231st Revision Received
03 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
03 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
03 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Mar 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
12 Apr 20232nd Revision Received
12 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
12 Apr 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
12 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Accept