title: Medication-taking by the frail elderly in two ethnic groups.
abstract: A complex and dangerous area of medical intervention with the elderly population is drug therapy. Although drugs have contributed to the well-being of many older persons, some elderly individuals are at risk due to polypharmacy and age-related factors. The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the medication-taking behaviors of two ethnic groups of noninstitutionalized frail elderly individuals. The findings indicate that these individuals may be at risk for harm due to their medication-taking practices. Healthcare professionals must evaluate drug use by the elderly and be aware of the risks of drug misuse by this vulnerable group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, College of Human and Community Services, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lile
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hoffman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*