Drug non-adherence and associated risk factors among Chinese geriatric patients in Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE
To study the prevalence of drug non-adherence among Chinese elderly people and its associated risk factors.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Medical and Geriatrics specialist out-patient clinic in a regional hospital.


METHODS
Elderly patients (> or =65 years) with chronic diseases requiring regular medications were selected by systematic sampling.


METHODS
Drug non-adherence; potential risk factors studied include patients' factors, availability of assistance, and prescription factors.


RESULTS
Two hundred and nine elders participated with 84% response rate. Estimated mean prevalence rate of drug non-adherence was 37% (standard deviation, 7%). The risk factors for drug non-adherence were: (1) self-perceived adverse drug effects (odds ratio=2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.2; P=0.017); (2) use of respiratory drugs (2.7; 1.0-7.5; P=0.048); (3) complicated drug regimens (7.4; 3.2-16.9; P<0.001); and (4) necessity to cut tablets (4.8; 2.1-10.7; P<0.001). Presence of caregiver/community nursing services assistance to pack medication (odds ratio=0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.5; P=0.001), and the use of medication boxes (0.5; 0.3-1.0; P=0.050) were found to be the protective factors against drug non-adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Drug non-adherence is an important concern in patient management. Medication regimen should be simplified as far as possible, in particular to avoid cutting pills or use of different dosage at different timing. Patients receiving drugs for respiratory diseases should be the first target group for intervention. Patients should be encouraged to voice out their perceived adverse drug effects.
Lam
P W
PW
Specialty Outpatient Department, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong. evalam@netvigator.com
Lum
C M
CM
Leung
M F
MF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016312:Treatment Refusal
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations