Patient Preference and Adherence (Nov 2023)
Medication Adherence and Its Associated Determinants in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Comorbidities
Abstract
Ahmad Al-Azayzih,1 Roaa J Kanaan,1 Shoroq M Altawalbeh,1 Walid Al-Qerem,2 Saja Smadi1 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 2Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, JordanCorrespondence: Ahmad Al-Azayzih, Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy-Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan, Email [email protected] of the Study: To evaluate medication adherence level and identify predictors of poor medication adherence in elderly patients with Cardiovascular (CVS) diseases and type 2 diabetes in Jordan.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly patients who attended King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) outpatient diabetes and cardiology clinics from March 6, 2023, to July 6, 2023. Data on age, sex, socio-demographics, biological variables, medication characteristics, and chronic comorbidities were obtained from electronic patients’ medical records and a validated questionnaire. Medication adherence levels (low, moderate, and high) were assessed using the Arabic version of the 4-item Morisky, Green, and Levine Medication Adherence Scale-Medication Assessment Questionnaire.Results: Data from 506 elderly patients were analyzed. The average age of the participants was 67.93 years (SD = 6.22). 7.9% of patients showed low adherence levels, 33.6% showed moderate adherence level, and 58.5% of patients showed a high level of adherence toward their prescribed medications. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that single/currently unmarried patients and patients who were living with others were more likely to have a higher adherence level; Odd Ratios (ORs) were 4.75 and 4.10, respectively. Patients who took their medications ≥ 3 and 2 times a day showed higher adherence to their medications than those who only took them once a day.; ORs were 2.15 and 2.36, respectively.Conclusion: This study indicated an inadequate level of adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular comorbidities. This study revealed the necessity of implementing programs to help in raising the awareness among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and CVDs of the importance of adherence to prescribed long-term medication regimens.Keywords: diabetes, medication adherence, elderly, cardiovascular diseases, geriatrics, Jordan
