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Factors associated with adherence to medication regimens in older adults in northern Portugal
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Orientador(es)
Resumo(s)
The World Health Organization defines older adults as individuals aged 65 and over. This demographic
often faces significant challenges in adhering to their therapeutic regimens due to an increase in health
problems and subsequent polypharmacy. This observational, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional
cohort study, employing a quantitative paradigm, assessed medication regimen adherence in 400 older
adults from a municipality in Northern Portugal. It also explored the relationship between adherence,
their degree of dependency, and various sociodemographic and clinical variables. Data were collected
using a questionnaire that included sociodemographic and clinical questions, the Medication Adherence
Scale (MAT), and the Barthel Index. With an average age of 75.33±7.34 years and a female majority, the
results showed that 82.75% of participants adhered to their therapeutic regimen. A statistically significant
association was found between adherence and educational qualifications, with lower adherence observed
among illiterate individuals. The need for constant guidance in preparing medication and the substitution
of prescribed drugs were also significantly associated with lower adherence. While a trend of decreasing
adherence with increasing age and number of diseases/medications was noted, these associations were
not statistically significant. Additionally, it was found that non-adherent individuals had, on average, a
lower functional (Barthel) index. We conclude that therapeutic adherence in older adults is a complex,
multidimensional issue. It requires an integrated approach involving healthcare professionals, family
members, and caregivers to foster effective adherence and enhance quality of life. Intervention strategies
must be tailored to the specific needs of this population.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Medication adherence Therapeutics Aged
Contexto Educativo
Citação
Brás, Manuel Alberto; Magalhães, Carlos Pires; Machado, Dora; Paradinha, Fernada Maria Rodrigues Afonso (2025). Factors associated with adherence to medication regimens in older adults in northern Portugal. Trends in Telemedicine & E-health. ISSN: 2689-2707. 6:2, p. 1-4
Editora
Crimson Publishers