Predicting Medication Use in an Elderly Hypertensive Sample: Revisiting the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly Study

Abstract

Though some research has begun to examine specific factors related to race that should be targeted in the design of interventions to improve medication adherence, there remains an underreporting of factors that contribute to the use of hypertensive medications by race. This study examined medication use reported by a sample of elderly, controlled and uncontrolled hypertensive patients from the North Carolina Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (NC EPESE) study. In the adjusted final multivariable models of medication use over time in both Caucasian and African-American women, those with higher BMI were more likely to report taking their medication over time; satisfaction with their medical care was predictive among Caucasian women and receiving treatment from a minority physician was predictive among African-American women. Focusing on individual-level characteristics and the different issues that may underlie specific ethnic groups, healthcare provider characteristics in particular may help to develop more precisely targeted interventions to improve a full range of healthcare services that are often needed by elderly hypertensive patients.