Medication Literacy and Home Medication Behaviors Among Older Chinese Patients with Chronic Diseases: A National...

To describe the status of home medication behaviors and medication literacy among older patients with chronic diseases in China and to identify factors influencing medication literacy levels to inform improvement strategies.

A national cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to the end of June 2023 across 31 provinces using a multi-center, quota-based convenience sampling approach. Trained pharmacists collected data via face-to-face interviews using a validated Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire. Medication literacy was dichotomized into adequate (score ≥186) and inadequate (<186). Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify associated determinants.

Among the 10,363 eligible participants, 48.31% demonstrated adequate medication literacy. Prevalent suboptimal home medication behaviors were observed: 57.05% failed to completely retain original medication packaging, and 74.25% could not fully understand package inserts. Through multivariable logistic regression, several key factors were identified as significant predictors of medication literacy. Higher educational attainment (college degree and above: OR = 2.185, 95% CI: 1.744 to 2.738) was identified as a strong predictor of adequate literacy. Conversely, discarding medication package inserts (OR = 0.697, 95% CI: 0.588 to 0.828) and the inability to comprehend package inserts (OR = 0.265, 95% CI: 0.226 to 0.311) were found to be negatively associated with literacy levels. Furthermore, 93.60% of the cohort reported the presence of somatic symptoms, which were frequently misattributed to normal aging rather than potentially modifiable medication-related causes.

Medication literacy among older Chinese adults with chronic diseases remains suboptimal, with nearly half failing to achieve adequate levels. Independent self-management is significantly associated with socioeconomic factors and specific behavioral gaps. A home-based pharmaceutical care system should be implemented to prioritize vulnerable groups, advocate for the retention of original packaging, and promote the development of simplified medication instructions.