Development and Validation of the Medication Use Competency Scale for Older Adults

To develop a scale for evaluating the medication use competency of older adults and verify its psychometric properties.

The Medication Use Competency Scale (MUCS) was initially formulated based on a literature review, theoretical frameworks, and qualitative interviews using a hybrid model. The scale was then tested on 245 older adults.

Exploratory factor analysis identified 23 items across five factors: attitude, physical skills, knowledge, effort to sustain, and cognitive skills, explaining a significant portion of the variance. Construct validity was verified, along with criterion validity, which demonstrated a moderate correlation (r = 0.40, p < 0.001) with the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. The scale exhibited strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.84, and test-retest reliability of 0.73 (p < 0.01).

The MUCS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing medication use competency in the older adult population. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 18(3), 154-164.].