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Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Abstract

Background : Only 22 - 25 percent of Thai elderly with hypertension can control theirblood pressure. Such failure has been largely ascribed to pooradherence with antihypertensive medication. The regimen complexityis an important factor that influences medication adherence in the elderly.Objectives : To examine the relationship between regimen complexity and medicationadherence behavior in Thai elderly with hypertension.Setting : Out-patient department of five general hospitals in Thailand.Research design : Cross-sectional study.Patients There were 422 elderly with hypertension who participated in this study.Methods : The samples were selected based on multi-stage sampling. Data werecollected using Medication Regimen Complexity Index and MoriskyMedication Adherence Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptivestatistics and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient.Results : Regimen complexity had negative correlation with medicationadherence behavior (r = -.25, p <.01). More complex prescriptionsuch as variety of dosage forms, multiple daily dosing frequencies,and additional instructions for drug administration were related to poormedication adherence behavior (r= -.12, -.21 and -.26, p <.01,respectively).Conclusions : The data revealed that the elderly who have more complexity ofmedication regimen are less likely to be adherence. Nurses shouldtake an active role in assessment the regimen complexity and promotemedication adherence behavior in Thai elderly with hypertensionespecially the high risk groups by educating them to overcomethe complexities of medication therapy.

Publisher

Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University

First Page

457

Last Page

472

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