FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-ADHERENCE TO MEDICATION IN ELDERLY WITH HYPERTENSION

Non-adherence to medication, estimated to be approximately 10%–60%, is quite common in the elderly and is an important cause of morbidity. In this study, we aimed to determine the rates of non-adherence to antihypertensive medications and related factors in the elderly. This cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare facilities in Samsun, Turkey, during May and June 2017, involving a face-to-face interview with patients. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of hypertension, use of antihypertensive medication for at least one year, age 65 years and older, and ability to communicate verbally. The Hypertension Medication Adherence Scale was used to assess adherence to treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the evaluated variables related to poor adherence. The mean age of the study group was 71.8 ± 6.7 years. The frequency of non-adherence to medication was 10.9%. According to the results of the logistic regression analysis, cognitive impairment, visual impairment, having no social support for medicine intake, male gender, and being single were significantly associated with non-adherence to antihypertensive medication. To improve medication adherence in primary care, simplified treatment options should be offered and a patient-oriented treatment plan should be planned.