The dispensing of medicines in older adults living alone in the face of COVID-19. Community polyclinic

Abstract

Introduction: Currently the world is hit by a new pandemic, the causative agent of which is a new virus, SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is an emerging viral infectious disease with high mortality, which has contributed to increased mortality from Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCD) in a very short time. NCDs are the leading cause of death worldwide. In this sense, the Cuban public health system is designed to face any health problem. One of the tools developed in dealing with communicable and non-communicable diseases is active research, whose actions tend to identify existing risk factors with the aim of be included in programs (dispensarization) to guarantee their follow-up and continued care. Objective: identify the dispensing of drugs in older adults who live alone, in the face of COVID-19. Methodology: For this, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out during the period from May to June 2020. Results: Of the total number of patients identified, 58.3% are female and 41.7% are male. Antihypertensive drugs represent the most widely used by dispensarized patients, followed by Diabetics. Conclusions: The active investigation of patients older than 60 years with CNCD favors the application of prevention and control strategies, as well as the delivery of drugs by the pharmacy to older adults who live alone in the presence of COVID-19.