Abstract

The World Health Organization defines older adults as individuals aged 65 and over. This demographic often faces significant challenges in adhering to their therapeutic regimens due to an increase in health problems and subsequent polypharmacy. This observational, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional cohort study, employing a quantitative paradigm, assessed medication regimen adherence in 400 older adults from a municipality in Northern Portugal. It also explored the relationship between adherence, their degree of dependency, and various sociodemographic and clinical variables. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included sociodemographic and clinical questions, the Medication Adherence Scale (MAT), and the Barthel Index. With an average age of 75.33±7.34 years and a female majority, the results showed that 82.75% of participants adhered to their therapeutic regimen. A statistically significant association was found between adherence and educational qualifications, with lower adherence observed among illiterate individuals. The need for constant guidance in preparing medication and the substitution of prescribed drugs were also significantly associated with lower adherence. While a trend of decreasing adherence with increasing age and number of diseases/medications was noted, these associations were not statistically significant. Additionally, it was found that non-adherent individuals had, on average, a lower functional (Barthel) index. We conclude that therapeutic adherence in older adults is a complex, multidimensional issue. It requires an integrated approach involving healthcare professionals, family members, and caregivers to foster effective adherence and enhance quality of life. Intervention strategies must be tailored to the specific needs of this population.

Keywords:Medication adherence; Therapeutics; Aged; Health of the elderly