Factors Predicting Medication Compliance among Elderly Visitors of Public Health Centers

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate compliance with prescribed medication in the elderly visiting public health centers. METHOD: Data were collected from 665 elders living in Seoul and the Gyeonggi Province during the period from February 21 to June 30 in 2006. The data were collected through individual interviews and were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analysis with the SAS 9.1 program. RESULTS: The mean of medication compliance was 2.97(+/-.68) on a 5-point Likert scale. Specifically, compliance 3.14(+/-.70) for medication dose, 2.94(+/-.77) for medication frequency, and 2.84(+/-.79) for medication time. The elderly with a higher level of education (beta=.095, p<.001), with health insurance (beta=.208, p=.0009) and with a higher level of family support (beta=.040, p=.0306) showed a higher level of mediation compliance. Female elders (beta=.142, p<.001) kept higher medication compliance than male ones. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that people with low education, low socioeconomic status and less family support need more education before medication. The evaluation of medication compliance needs to be encouraged before starting medication to distinguish those who may not comply with medical prescription. Predictive factors identified in this study must be considered when designing interventions, program development and education for appropriate medication management for the elderly.