Prevalence and correlates of medication reminder app ‘use and use intention’ among older adults

Abstract

Background: Medication adherence is relatively poor among older adults. Although there exist medication reminder apps, data on the prevalence and correlates of their ‘use and use intention’ by older adults are limited. Objective: To examine the prevalence, and socio-demographic and health correlates of medication reminder app use and use intention among older adults in Singapore. Methods: Data from a nationally representative survey of 2228 adults aged 62 years and above, who were taking at least one prescription medication, were analysed. Medication reminder app use (in the past one month) and use intention (in the next one month) were self-reported. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the correlates of medication reminder app use and use intention. Results: The prevalence of medication reminder app use and use intention was low at 2.6% (comprising 0.5% for use and 2.1% for use intention). Age, ethnicity, education level, previous participation in information technology/computer-related courses, comorbidity, health literacy, medication adherence and polypharmacy were correlated with app use and use intention in multivariable analyses. Conclusion: The very low prevalence of medication reminder app use and use intention among older adults in Singapore and identified correlates point to opportunities to increase the use of such apps.

Keywords

• Medication adherence
• Reminder systems
• mHealth
• Healthy ageing
• Older adults