Minimizing effects of low literacy on medication knowledge and compliance among the elderly

Medication knowledge and compliance among the elderly was examined using a color-coded method, which was designed to tailor the medication regimen to the person's daily schedule. Data were collected from 80 elderly, predominantly indigent, and individuals of low literacy. Group 1 of the study received verbal teaching only, whereas Group 2 received verbal teaching and a color-coded medication schedule. Knowledge increased significantly among both groups. Compliance to the medication schedule increased in Group 2, among those subjects whose pretest compliance scores were low. These results suggest that a method that considers the characteristics of the individual can significantly increase knowledge and compliance.