A multicentric cross-sectional study to characterize the scale and impact of polypharmacy in rural Indian communities, conducted as part of health workers training

Abstract

CONTEXT: Polypharmacy and inappropriate medication usage is one of the world's most important public health issues. Yet in rural India, where medications are readily available, little is known about polypharmacy. AIM: This study explores factors related to polypharmacy in rural India to inform the response. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A household survey was conducted by community health trainees, across 515 Indian villages collecting medication prescription and usage information for single illness in the past month. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent usage of four or more medications for single illness. Data from 515 rural India villages were collected on medication us..