[Cognitive and behaviorally relevant aspects of compliance with prescribed drugs by geriatric patients]

Studies of compliance with drug treatment in the elderly have mainly focused on treatment variables, and patient knowledge or comprehension. However, information on behavioral aspects is sparse. Therefore, interviews concerning medication were performed in 31 geriatric patients, mean age 79.6 years. The aim was to evaluate whether there were relations between coping with health problems and attitudes towards/taking of medication prescribed. It was concluded from the analysis of these tape-recorded interviews that different forms of coping strategies were reflected by patients' attitudes towards taking of medicines. There was a high degree of competence perceived by patients, and objectively as well. Nevertheless, when taking drugs patients surprisingly often relied on other persons' support.