SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN THE OLDEST OLD: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: This study examined the correlation between social exclusion and medication adherence in older adults, identifying key factors influencing these concepts. Materials and Method: The study was conducted between June 01, 2024, and October 31, 2024, involving face-to-face interviews with 214 individuals aged 80 years and older who volunteered for the survey at Konya City Hospital, “Sağlıklı YAŞAM” (Healthy Aging Center), and geriatrics outpatient clinics. Alongside evaluating sociodemographic characteristics, the Social Exclusion Scale for the Elderly and Modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale were utilized. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program. Results: The median age of the participants was 84 (80-98) years, with 62.6% being female. Among all participants, 36% (n=77) exhibited low medication adherence knowledge, while 55.1% (n=118) showed low medication adherence motivation. A moderate negative correlation was observed between the Social Exclusion Scale and Modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale scores (r=-0.318; p<0.001). In multiple linear regression models, the total Social Exclusion Scale score was independently associated with the presence of friends, education level, physical dependency status, and total Modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scalescore (all p<0.05). The total Modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale score was independently associated with crutches, lung disease, medication administration method, and total Social Exclusion Scale score in the regression models (all p <0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that, as social exclusion increases, medication adherence decreases in older individuals, and an individual’s sociodemographic characteristics may influence both social exclusion and medication adherence. Keywords: Social Isolation; Medication Adherence; Aged.