Table 3 Binomial logistic regression analysis for identifying the factors related to the prescription of “small and difficult-to-handle tablets/capsules”.

Female sex

1.190 (0.844–1.677)

Age

20s

reference

30s

1.032 (0.304–3.499)

40s

0.763 (0.249–2.333)

50s

0.618 (0.212–1.804)

60s

0.475 (0.161–1.398)

70s

0.432 (0.143–1.298)

80s

0.332 (0.083–1.339)

90s

0.884 (0.104–7.525)

Highest number of tablets or capsules taken at the same time

1.051 (0.996–1.108)

Taking tablets or capsules “long diameter + short diameter ≤ 13.3 mm”

2.522 (1.427–4.458)

Taking tablets or capsules “long diameter + short diameter + thickness” ≤ 17.45 mm”

1.489 (0.732–3.030)

Having any problems with hands or fingers

0.779 (0.423–1.435)

Hard to apply force

2.635 (1.263–5.497)

Prescription of soft capsules

1.149 (0.662–1.996)

Hypertension

1.693 (1.166–2.459)

Arthritis/Rheumatoid arthritis

1.755 (0.654–4.706)

Osteoporosis

4.993 (1.868–13.346)