IMPROVING THERAPEUTIC ADHERENCE IN ELDERLY OUTPATIENT AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY HOSPITAL: SOME SUPPORTIVE SOLUTIONS

Background: Improving treatment adherence in elderly patients needs to be addressed to enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce healthcare costs. Treatment adherence improvement solutions often focus on patient education in medication use and lifestyle changes. Objectives: Determine the rate of treatment adherence and survey the need for some adherence improvement solutions in elderly outpatients. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 196 elderly outpatients aged 60 and above at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from March 1st to March 31st, 2024. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) to assess medication adherence and additional questions to evaluate lifestyle habits. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. Results: All participants had chronic diseases, with 63.78% being female. The medication adherence rate according to MMAS-8 was 22.96%. A small proportion of patients reported smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and unhealthy dietary habits (high salt/sugar intake, excessive caffeine consumption). Over 90% of patients expressed a need for support to improve treatment adherence, including dedicated medication counseling areas, patient education materials about diseases and medications, and medication labels with clear instructions. Conclusion: This study highlights the low medication adherence rate among elderly outpatients and the need for targeted solutions to enhance adherence and improve patient outcomes. Implementing patient education and support methods focused on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications is crucial to optimize healthcare outcomes for this vulnerable population.