Failure to have prescriptions filled among Black elderly

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Health Disparities
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Extensive research exists on medication compliance in the elderly, but prescription fulfillment failure remains understudied, particularly in Black elderly populations.
• Understanding prescription non-fulfillment is crucial for improving medication access and adherence among vulnerable older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and identify correlates of failure to have prescriptions filled among Black elderly individuals.
• To address a critical gap in understanding medication non-adherence factors specific to this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted on a sample of 571 Black elderly individuals.
• Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of prescription non-fulfillment.
• Data collected included prescription history, medication use (prescription and over-the-counter), insurance coverage, and self-reported financial and psychological factors.

Main Results:

• 12.8% of the Black elderly sample reported not filling a physician-prescribed medication within the prior six months.
• Significant predictors of non-fulfillment included higher anxiety levels, lower internal health locus of control, lack of Medicaid coverage, current use of prescription medications, higher consumption of over-the-counter drugs, and reported financial problems.

Conclusions:

• Failure to fill prescriptions is a notable issue within the Black elderly population, influenced by psychological, financial, and access-related factors.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve medication access and adherence, addressing socioeconomic and psychological barriers in this demographic.