Risk Factors, Organic Profile of Polypathology in Elderly Subjects in Lome, Togo

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the polypathological profile of elderly patients hospitalized at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé. The study also aims to determine the associations between polypathology and key clinical factors. Setting and Method : This is a retrospective and descriptive study conducted among 456 patients aged 65 and older, hospitalized at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital between January 2019 and December 2023. Data were collected from patients’ medical records, covering sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and the coexistence of multiple pathologies. Inclusion criteria included all patients aged 65 and older who were hospitalized in the internal medicine department during this period. Results: The mean age of patients was 73.2 years, with a female predominance (63.3%). The prevalence of multiple pathologies was 60.1%, with an average of three pathologies per patient. The most affected systems were cardiovascular (61.4%), endocrine and metabolic (28.9%), and hematological (29.8%). Multiple pathologies were statistically associated with overweight, hypertension, and diabetes. Polypharmacy was statistically associated with multiple pathologies and advanced age. Conclusion: Multiple pathologies were very common among hospitalized elderly patients. Optimal management of these patients requires a geriatric approach and rigorous prevention of pathological aging.