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Medication adherence among older adults with schizophrenia
Heather C Leutwyler1, Patrick J Fox, Margaret Wallhagen
1Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. Heather.Leutwyler@ucsf.edu
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
|January 19, 2013
Summary
Older adults with schizophrenia often have poor health. This study explored their understanding of physical health and medication adherence, offering insights for better clinical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Older adults with schizophrenia represent a growing population with significant health challenges.
- Their physical and mental health status is often suboptimal, necessitating targeted research.
- Understanding their perspectives is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the understanding older adults with schizophrenia have of their physical health status.
- To identify themes related to self-management of medications and their health outcomes.
- To inform the development of clinical interventions for medication adherence in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 28 older adults with schizophrenia.
- Utilized semi-structured interviews and participant observation across diverse settings.
- Focused on understanding participants' perspectives on physical health and medication management.
Main Results:
- Self-management of psychiatric and non-psychiatric medications significantly impacts health status.
- Distinct medication adherence styles were identified, along with associated influencing factors.
- Participants' understanding of their physical health is closely linked to their medication practices.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the critical role of medication adherence in the health of older adults with schizophrenia.
- Identified adherence styles and factors can guide personalized intervention strategies.
- Clinical interventions should address self-management support to improve health outcomes for this population.
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