POLYPHARMACY AND ITS EFFECT ON DRUG ADHERENCE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS ATTENDING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER

Background: Polypharmacy and poor medication adherence are major challenges in elderly populations, especially those attending primary healthcare centers. Understanding the nature of non-adherence (whether intentional or unintentional) is crucial for targeted interventions. Aim: To know the prevalence of non-adherence in polypharmacy in elderly patient and the prevalence of intentional and unintentional non-adherence also to know the relation between non adherence level (poor or medium) and sociodemographic factor, number of medication and non-adherence type (intentional and un-intentional medication adherence). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 patients aged 60 years and above attending primary healthcare centers. Data were collected using the Girerd’s adherence questionnaire to assess medication adherence and classify types of non-adherence. Result: Nearly half of the participants exhibited poor adherence and one third of the participant exhibit medium adherence and only 16% of them exhibited good adherence. Intentional non-adherence was more common (78.5%) compared to unintentional non-adherence (21.5%). Factors such as lower education level male factor and unemployment were significantly associated with poorer adherence (p < 0.05), also increase number of medication was significantly associated with poorer adherence. Conclusion: The high rate of intentional non-adherence recommends the need for interventions targeting patients’ beliefs and attitudes toward medications. Tailored educational strategies may help improve adherence in this vulnerable group.