European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE MEDICATION ADHERENCE OF CHRONIC ILLNESS IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS

Dr. Vishwas A.T.L.*, Jesny M. Jacob, Jeena Babu, Hridhya Alphonse Jose

ABSTRACT

Background: Geriatrics is defined as a person who is aged greater than 65 years. Geriatrics will suffer from chronic and recurrent illnesses that occur more commonly during later life such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, IHD, arthritic disorders, respiratory disorders etc., which may require chronic medication with multiple drugs. Medication adherence is important for controlling chronic conditions, treating temporary condition, and overall long-term health and well-being of geriatric patients. Aim: The aim of our study is to evaluate the medication adherence of chronic illness in geriatric patients. Objectives: To assess the medication adherence of chronic illness and factors affecting the non-adherence in geriatric patients. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in General Medicine Department at MIMS Teaching Hospital, Mandya, patients who were satisfying the inclusion criteria will be enrolled our study, for the period of six months. Totally 200 in-patient cases were collected by using suitable pre-designed profile form. Result: Among 200 patients, Female patients are having risk of chronic illness by 116(58%). Age group between 65-70(60%) years are at high risk and 157(78.5%) patients are Illiterate. About 102 (46.36%) patients are suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Patients having history of Diabetes mellitus 75(34.09%) and majority of patients were diagnosed as hypertension 98(31.41%). Among patients, 106(53%) are non-adherent to prescribed medications. According to Morisky medication adherence scale scoring, 106(53%) patients scored zero. It shows that they are non-adherent. Among 106 patients, 64(60.37%) patients are non-adhered due to therapy related problems. Conclusion: Our study concludes that maximum patients were illiterate. Hypertension and diabetic mellitus are common chronic illness in geriatric patients. So, they are on prescription. According to Morisky medication adherence scale scoring most of the patient scored zero that is non-adherent is due to therapy related problems. So, the pharmacist intervention is required to improve medication non – adherence and quality of life in geriatric population.

Keywords: Geriatrics, Chronic Illness, Adherence, Non-Adherence.