Abstract
Objective:The temporal component of medication adherence is important while designing interventions to improve medication adherence. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine how medication adherence and beliefs in medicines change over time in older adults.Methods:A two-year longitudinal internet-based survey among adults 65+ years was used to collect data on medication adherence (Morisky 4-item scale) and beliefs in medicines (Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire). Paired t-test and one-way ANOVA determined if a change in beliefs in medicines and medication adherence over time was significant. A multiple linear regression was used to determine the significant predictors of change in medication adherence over time.Results:436 respondents answered both baseline and follow-up surveys. Among all respondents, there was no significant change in adherence (0.58 ± 0.84 vs. 0.59 ± 0.84; p > 0.05), necessity beliefs (17.13 ± 4.31 vs. 17.10 ± 4.29; p > 0.05), or concern beliefs (11.70 ± 3.73 vs. 11.68 ± 3.77; p > 0.05) over time. For older adults with lower baseline adherence, there was a statistically significant improvement in adherence (1.45 ± 0.70 vs. 0.99 ± 0.97; p < 0.05); but no change in beliefs in medicines over time. The significant predictors of change in medication adherence over time were baseline adherence and baseline concern beliefs in medicines.Conclusion:With baseline adherence and baseline concern beliefs in medicines playing a significant role in determining change in adherence behavior over time, especially in individuals with lower adherence, it is important to alleviate medication concerns at the beginning of therapy for better adherence.
Highlights
Medication adherence is an essential component of chronic disease management
With baseline adherence and baseline concern beliefs in medicines playing a significant role in determining change in adherence behavior over time, especially in individuals with lower adherence, it is important to alleviate medication concerns at the beginning of therapy for better adherence
The current study aims to: 1) quantify how medication adherence and specific beliefs in medicine change over time in older adults, 2) examine whether there is a significant difference in patient specific beliefs in medicines and adherence behavior across various age groups and other demographics, and 3) identify the significant predictors of medication adherence over time
Summary
Medication adherence is an essential component of chronic disease management. The rate of medication adherence among older adults with chronic medications varies from 23 to 86% showing this is an important issue that needs to be considered (Schlenk, Dunbar-Jacob, & Engberg, 2004). Among all the factors that contribute to medication adherence in older adults, patient beliefs in medicines are quite significant and shown to be paramount in improving adherence to prescribed medications (Horne & Weinman, 1999; Sirey, Greenfield, Weinberger, & Bruce, 2013; Unni & Farris, 2011; Unni, Shiyanbola, & Farris, 2013). Though adherence literature has established the relationship between beliefs in medicines and medication adherence, the relationship between the change in beliefs in medicines over time and www.ccsenet.org/gjhs
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