Factors associated with self-reported medication adherence in japanese community-dwelling elderly individuals: The nakajima study

Abstract

Medication non-adherence in the elderly population is a major problem, preventing them from obtaining optimal therapeutic e.ects. Identifying the factors a.ecting medication adherence is crucial for improving and maintaining health among the elderly population and enhance healthcare economy. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of self-reported medication adherence, and identify the associated factors and the influence of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the Japanese community-dwelling elderly population. This cross-sectional study was part of the Nakajima study and targeted inhabitants aged ≥Z60 years who underwent health examinations in 2017. Data regarding medication adherence were acquired through interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Medication adherence were assessed using a visual analog scale, and HRQOL was assessed by EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire with 3 levels. Among the 455 participants, low and high medication adherence were seen in 9.7‰ and 66.2‰ of the participants, respectively (visual analog scores <80‰ and ≥Z95‰, respectively). Medication adherence was signi.cantly lower in participants taking medications ≥Z3 times daily than in those taking medications once or twice daily; a regimen involving drug administration ≥Z3 times daily had signi.cantly lower odds of medication adherence. The use of a drug pro.le book and HRQOL had signi.cant positive association with medication adherence. Our results suggest that low dosing frequency and using a drug pro.le book was positively associated with medication adherence among elderly persons, which in turn could enhance their QOL.