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Promoting Medication Adherence in the Elderly: Factors and Insights From a Cross-Sectional Study
Shokofeh Afkhami1, Farkhondeh Asadi2, Hassan Emami2
1School of Allied Medical Sciences Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
Aging Medicine (Milton (N.S.W))
|January 14, 2026
Summary
Polypharmacy is a key factor in medication non-adherence among older adults. Addressing personal and external factors can improve medication adherence in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Medication adherence is crucial for effective treatment in the elderly.
- Understanding factors influencing adherence is vital for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize factors affecting medication adherence in the elderly population.
- To identify key determinants of medication non-adherence in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of scientific databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley, Wolters Kluwer) was conducted.
- Articles published between 2001 and January 2022 were included, focusing on keywords like 'drug adherence' and 'elderly'.
- Data from 68 selected studies were analyzed and categorized into personal and external factors.
Main Results:
- Medication adherence factors were categorized into personal (reducing, increasing, other) and external (cultural, social, economic, influence of others).
- Polypharmacy emerged as the most significant factor in medication non-adherence among the elderly.
- Other influential factors include economic/social status, cognitive impairment, health literacy, age, and depression.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare systems must prioritize medication management for elderly patients with polypharmacy.
- Interventions including economic/social support, psychological training, and counseling can enhance medication adherence in older adults.
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