Understaffed Nursing Homes In Disadvantaged Areas Found To Have A Higher Prevalence Of Antipsychotic Prescribing

The prevalence of inappropriate antipsychotic medication use was higher at understaffed nursing homes in severely deprived U.S. neighborhoods, at 19.2%, compared to 17.1% at understaffed nursing homes in less deprived neighborhoods. Inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications was also higher in nursing homes located in severely deprived neighborhoods, at 15.9% compared to 14.2% at nursing homes in less deprived neighborhoods. Older adults using antipsychotic medication are more likely to experience falls, cognitive impairment, and higher mortality rates.

The level of neighborhood disadvantage for each facility was defined using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) score, which could . . .