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Analysis of Medication-Related Burden and Associated Factors Among Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A

Zhiqing Zhou1,2, Jinmin Zheng1,2, Mengyan Wu1,2

  • 1School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China.

Patient Preference and Adherence
|July 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Medication-related burden in elderly patients with coronary heart disease is moderate. Key factors influencing this burden include adverse drug reactions, medication beliefs, and medication literacy, suggesting targets for improved management.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a significant health concern in the elderly population.
  • Effective medication management is crucial for managing CHD and improving patient outcomes.
  • Medication-related burden (MRB) can negatively impact treatment adherence and quality of life in elderly patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the current level of medication-related burden (MRB) in elderly individuals with CHD.
  • To identify key determinants influencing MRB in this patient group.
  • To inform strategies for optimizing medication management and enhancing treatment adherence.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 231 elderly CHD patients.
  • Data were collected using the Chinese version of the Living with Medicines Questionnaire-3 (C-LMQ-3), the Chinese version of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (C-BMQ), and a Medication Literacy Scale.
  • Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, univariate tests, and multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

  • Participants reported moderate levels of MRB, as indicated by C-LMQ-3 and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores.
  • Independent predictors of MRB included medication adverse reactions, use of medication assistance devices, medication education, medication beliefs, and medication literacy (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Elderly patients with CHD experience moderate MRB, influenced by modifiable factors.
  • Healthcare providers should adopt holistic strategies to reduce MRB, focusing on enhancing medication literacy and addressing medication beliefs.
  • Minimizing adverse drug events, promoting medication support tools, and reinforcing education are essential for optimizing medication management.
Abstract

Keywords:
coronary heart disease in older adultsinfluencing factorsmedication burdenmedication literacy

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