MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASE IN AL-RESAFA PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER IN BAGHDAD, 2024

Abstract

Background: The adherence defined as the extent to which the person's behavior (including medications taking) corresponds with agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider. Medication non-adherence is a common and significant public health problem, especially among the geriatric population. Objectives: Determine the level of adherence to medication among elderly patients with chronic disease attending the primary health care centers in AL-Resafa sector of Baghdad City. Identify factors affecting adherence to medication among elderly patients with chronic disease. Patients and methods: A cross sectional study will be conducted at a sample of primary health care centers in AL-Resafa sectors in Baghdad from November 2023 to August 2024. A total of 20 primary health care centers will be selected conveniently for data collection. Elderly patient aged 60 and above who have at least one chronic disease attending the 20 selected primary health care centers will be included in the current study. Using a questionnaire including the full socio-demographic characteristics, questions related to the disease and the 8-items morisky medication adherence questions. Data was analyzed using SPSS program version 22, and p value considered significant if it is less than 0.05. Results: Five hundred patients were included in this study, with a mean of 65.9+5.5.5 years standard deviation, (38.8%) of the participants had low level of adherence while the good adherence found in (30.2%). Diabetes, employment status and number of medication taken were statistically significant with medication adherence. Conclusions: Elderly patients attending the primary healthcare centers in Baghdad had low level of adherence.