Older people in the community : do they adhere to their prescribed medication?

Abstract

Lack of adherence to prescribed medication in chronically-ill elderly persons may lead to therapeutic failure with risks for long-lasting repercussions and an increased burden on health care systems. This study aimed to explore difficulties possibly encountered by the elderly in the community to adhere to their prescribed medication, and to investigate whether they get enough support. A quantitative study was undertaken where a convenient sample of 33 Maltese elderly participants (mean age 70 years) were recruited while attending the peripheral clinics for their repeat free medicinal prescription. A semi -structured interview was carried out. Response rate was 100%. Data were analysed descriptively using raw figures and percentages. Findings showed that 85% of participants (mean medicines 4.36 daily) self-reported adherence however overall scores suggest only 70% followed their drug regimens. There was a 3% higher adherence in male participants supported by their wives. Some of the factors favouring adherence were dispensing of free medicine from local private pharmacies (21.2%), having the same nurse in attendance (45.6%) and to be seen by a doctor with a caring attitude (24%). Some of the factors hindering adherence were forgetting to take the medicine (30.3%), out of stock medicines (15.1 %) and adverse reaction to medication (9.1 %). Further research is needed locally to explore the complexity of adherence. Ongoing educational interventions to enhance adherence in the community-dwelling elderly is recommended. Health care professionals need training to detect non-adherence and using a multidisciplinary approach can also enhance adherence. Service providers need to ameliorate the provisions of free medicines.