OLDER ADULTS' PERCEPTION OF IATROGENESIS: A SOCIOLOGICAL PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36489/nursing.2026v32i341p22512-22523Keywords:
Health of Older Adults, Polypharmacy, Adverse drug reactions, Primary health care, Qualitative researchAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to understand older adults' perceptions of adverse drug reactions and other iatrogenic events associated with polypharmacy. Methods: This qualitative study adopted a phenomenological approach and was conducted with older adults registered with three Family Health Strategy teams in northern Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data were collected through home visits, during which participants completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Sixteen older adults participated in the study; 75% were women, 76% self-identified as Black or mixed-race, 43.75% were married, and 62.5% lived with their spouses or other family members. Four categories emerged: knowledge about iatrogenesis; perceptions regarding the use of multiple medications; the impact of iatrogenesis; and follow-up provided by primary health care. Conclusion: Older adults' lack of knowledge about iatrogenic events contributes to the occurrence of adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for appropriate education and guidance to promote better quality of life.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Alaianne Moreira de Souza, Adriana Nunes Morais Partelli , Bruno De-Bruym Ferrarine, Marta Pereira Coelho, Milânia Effgen Caran, Murilo Soares Costa, Roberta Coelho De Marco, Valquíria Camin de Bortoli
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