Determinants of medication knowledge using DFIT% score in indian geriatric population: A cross-sectional study

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Problem</h3> Assessing medication knowledge in older adults is critical for managing chronic diseases, yet existing tools are often impractical or lack specificity. This study evaluates a composite score (DFIT%) assessing knowledge of Dose, Frequency, Indication, and Time of administration. <h3>Methods</h3> A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 geriatric patients (≥65 years) to determine the association between DFIT% and patient characteristics were analyzed using bivariate tests and logistic regression. <h3>Results</h3> DFIT% was strongly associated with cognitive status; patients without impairment scored significantly higher (67.1% vs 43.5%, p<0.0001). A higher DFIT% score was associated with lower odds of polypharmacy (OR=0.984, p=0.018) and recent medication changes (OR=0.986, p=0.043). Ability to read English was also statistically associated with (OR=1.020, p=0.041) DFIT% score. No significant associations were found with hospitalization or disease duration. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The DFIT% score is a practical tool that identifies specific medication knowledge deficits, which are significant to cognitive function and treatment complexity. It can help target interventions to improve medication safety in geriatric populations.