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Medication Adherence in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study.
Elizabeth W Holt1, Ariane L Rung2, Kyla A Leon3
1Center for Health Research, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA ; Dept. of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
Educational Gerontology
|September 13, 2014
Summary
Understanding medication adherence barriers in older adults is crucial for cardiovascular health. Tailored, multi-faceted interventions addressing individual, social, and system-level factors are needed for better adherence.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Medication adherence is critical for managing chronic conditions like hypertension in older adults.
- Identifying barriers and effective interventions is essential for improving cardiovascular health outcomes in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore barriers to medication adherence among older adults with hypertension.
- To assess the acceptability and feasibility of intervention strategies for improving adherence in this population.
Main Methods:
- Focus group study with 25 diverse older adults with hypertension.
- Utilized a structured guide to gather feedback on adherence barriers and intervention strategies.
- Developed a coding framework based on individual, relationship, healthcare system, and environmental/policy factors.
Main Results:
- Identified multiple barriers to medication adherence, including memory, knowledge, beliefs, side effects, social support, provider interactions, cost, and convenience.
- Highlighted the varied nature of these barriers across individuals.
- Confirmed the need for interventions that are both multi-faceted and personalized.
Conclusions:
- Older adults face diverse barriers to medication adherence affecting cardiovascular health.
- Interventions must be tailored and address multiple levels (individual, social, systemic) for optimal effectiveness.
- Future strategies should incorporate patient-centered approaches to enhance medication adherence.
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