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Metacognition and medication adherence: how do older adults remember?
O N Gould1, L McDonald-Miszczak, B King
1Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105-5075, USA.
Experimental Aging Research
|November 14, 1997
Summary
Older adults use internal memory strategies for medication but external ones for daily tasks. Memory self-efficacy and anxiety, not medical factors, predict strategy use and adherence.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Medication adherence is crucial for older adults' health.
- Understanding memory strategy use in older adults is vital for adherence.
- Previous research has not fully explored factors influencing memory strategy use for medication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate older adults' use of memory strategies for medication adherence.
- To identify predictors of memory strategy use and perceived adherence in older adults.
- To examine the role of metamemorial factors versus health-related factors.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-one older adults (mean age 75.9 years) completed the Prospective Memory for Medication Questionnaire.
- Participants reported on internal and external memory strategy use.
- Predictors included metamemorial variables (self-efficacy, anxiety) and health-related variables.
Main Results:
- Internal strategies were favored for medication tasks, while external strategies were more common in general daily situations.
- Metamemorial variables (memory self-efficacy, memory anxiety) significantly predicted strategy use and perceived adherence.
- Health-related factors were not primary determinants of memory strategy use or adherence.
Conclusions:
- Memory strategy preferences differ based on task domain (medication vs. general daily life).
- Metamemorial factors play a significant role in older adults' medication adherence strategies.
- Future interventions should consider psychological factors beyond medical status to improve adherence.