Medication Adherence Among Post-stroke Elderly Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction The rising burden of noncommunicable diseases is a significant health-related issue, especially in developing economies. Stroke is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the geriatric population. Prevention of disability and mortality in post-stroke patients requires consistent medication adherence. Poor medication adherence is associated with poor outcomes, increased costs, and life-threatening complications. Aim The purpose of this study is to determine the level of medication adherence among post-stroke elderly patients and explore the relationship between medication adherence and various demographic, medication, and ailment-related factors. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the geriatric outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Rajasthan, India. Post-stroke patients aged 60 years or older were included. Patients were interviewed, and data were entered into a structured and pre-validated questionnaire. Questions included demographic, medication, and ailment-related information, and the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) scale was used. An ARMS score of ≤ 13 was considered adherent. Results A total of 100 elderly post-stroke patients were enrolled. The mean age of patients was 67.58 ± 6.78 years. Polypharmacy was present in 81% of patients, and 33% were found to be adherent to their medications (ARMS ≤ 13). The mean ARMS score was 15.72. Family type (p=0.0309), level of education (p=0.0016), and type of occupation (p=0.0323) significantly affected medication adherence. Person responsible for drug administration (p=0.0020) and patient's positive beliefs (p=0.0398) also significantly affected adherence. Conclusion Medication adherence among post-stroke elderly patients in India is significantly low. Lack of education, unemployment, reduced familial support, patients' dependence on family members, and misconceptions about medications affect adherence. Physicians must remain vigilant and emphasize addressing patients' fears and false beliefs about medications.