Introduction Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing (PIP) poses a significant risk to patient safety and associated with poor healthcare outcomes in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This study aimed to assess PIP prevalence and patterns in older adults across all care settings in GCC. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted on six medical databases to identify studies assessing the PIP prevalence in older adults using validated criteria in GCC. Pooled prevalence estimates and odds ratios were calculated using STATA Software (version 16). Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the I² statistic, and publication bias was assessed using funnel plot symmetry and Egger’s regression test. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool. Results Fourteen eligible studies conducted over ten years included 18,647 patients. The median prevalence of PIP was 54.4% (IQR: 37.6–62.1%), higher in hospital settings (59.5%; IQR: 53.7–65.3%) compared to primary care (44.2%; IQR: 18.5–54.4%). Cardiovascular medications were the most common PIP (15,353 occurrences). Polypharmacy was significantly associated with PIP exposure (OR: 5.26; 95% CI: 2.33–11.84). The odds of PIP exposure were significantly increased among older individuals with chronic kidney disease (OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.19–2.54) and diabetes (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.18–2.30). Conclusion This study highlights high PIP prevalence among older adults in GCC countries, particularly in hospital settings. Polypharmacy and certain chronic conditions were significantly associated with PIP exposure. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve prescribing practices and medication safety.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hematological disorder associated with significant mortality and a range of complex complications that manifest differently across various age groups. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of SCD patients in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on variations among children, adolescents, adults, and middle-aged individuals. A multicenter retrospective cohort study included 129 patients with confirmed diagnosis of SCD between January 2018 to October 2023 and divided into 4 cohorts. The analysis compared hospital stay durations, admission rates, SCD complications, and medication usage. Results: Among the participants, 35 were children (27%), 18 adolescents (14%), 63 adults (49%), and 13 middle-aged individuals (10%). Clinical complications as splenic disease in children (34.3%) were more frequent compared to adolescents (5.6%) and adults (4.8%). Additionally, chronic kidney disease was more prevalent in middle-aged patients (15.4%). Pain was reported in 65.1% of patients, with vascular occlusive crises occurring in 41.1%. Treatment adherence varied, with children showing higher penicillin use (74.3%), while opioid usage was greater in middle-aged patients (76.9%). Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity for age-specific management strategies in SCD. Further research with larger populations is suggested to enhance the understanding of disease progression and treatment efficacy across different age groups.