The effect of age and vision on functional measures of medication management, across different prescription drug container shapes in persons with visual impairment

Abstract

The relative effect of age and vision on medication management tasks (time and accuracy of entering the pharmacy phone number and interpreting dose) across four different prescription drug container shapes is examined. A mixed measures three-factor design was employed, with within-subject control. The repeated-measure independent variable of interest was container shape (four conditions), and the two between-subject independent variables were vision and age. Older age and decreased vision were found to be generally negatively associated with time and accuracy of entering the phone number and correct interpretation of dose. Container shape modified the effect of vision and age on the medication management tasks. Interactions between independent variables of age, vision, and container shape make it difficult to recommend one container shape for all participants. The results presented give credence for further examination of packing for label readability and other aspects of medication management, given the ease at which packaging can be modified.