Medication adherence and associated factors among hypertensive older adults: A study focusing on health literacy

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing medication adherence among hypertensive older adults, focusing on health literacy and other variables, using the WHO framework for adherence to long-term therapy. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted on the 2021 Korean Health Panel Survey data comprising 2,411 adults aged 65 years and older receiving medication for hypertension. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and multinomial logistic regression were performed using SPSS 28.0. Results: Health literacy significantly differentiated the perfectly adherent group from the highly adherent group but was not significantly associated with non-adherence. The non-adherent group showed heterogeneous traits, suggesting that structural improvements or interventions tailored to behavioral mechanisms may be necessary for health literacy to be effective. Conclusion: Health literacy may contribute to refining adherence quality among already adherent individuals, whereas structural or tailored interventions may be required for non-adherent groups. These findings underscore the intervention strategies adapted to adherence profiles.