(77) Facilitators & Barriers of Medication Adherence Amongst the Geriatric: A Developing Country Scenario

Publication Number: 1122

Background: Medication non-adherence among the geriatric population has emerged as a global concern, compromising the health-related quality of life.

Objectives: To assess the rate of medication adherence, facilitators and barriers to medication adherence among elderly.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the medication adherence level and the patient reported facilitators and barriers using medication adherence rating scale (MARS) and a pre-validated questionnaire, respectively amongst the geriatric patients who were hospitalized in a south India tertiary care hospital. Data thus collected were categorically analyzed. Predictors were assessed using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval.

Results: A total of 401 patients were enrolled, majority [220 (54.86%)] were adherent to the medications. The barriers identified included forgetfulness, carelessness, lack of awareness about the disease and medication, illiteracy, lack of regular follow up and visit, social stigma on disease, polypharmacy, and adverse effects. The facilitators included good access to the health care system, patient counseling, regular follow-up, and refill. The age group of 71-80 years [OR 2.02 (95% CI, 1.31-3.13)], illiteracy [OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.38-3.98)], single as marital status [OR 3.64 (95% CI, 1.13-11.67)], comorbidities (≥ 5) [OR 3.91 (95% CI, 1.78-8.60)], discharge medications (> 11) [OR 3.11 (95% CI, 1.55-6.26)], lack of awareness about the disease [OR 1.99 (95% CI, 1.30-3.032)] were found to be significant predisposing factors.

Conclusions: This study reveals as several predictive factors were identified for medication non-adherence which can aid in developing strategies to improve medication adherence.