Food insecurity is associated with cost-related medication non-adherence in community-dwelling, low-income older adults in Georgia.
Low-income older adults are at increased risk of cutting back on basic needs, including food and medication. This study examined the relationship between food insecurity and cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) in low-income Georgian older adults. The study sample includes new Older Americans Act Nutrition Program participants and waitlisted people assessed by a self-administered mail survey (N = 1000, mean age 75.0 + so - 9.1 years, 68.4% women, 25.8% African American). About 49.7% of participants were food insecure, while 44.4% reported practicing CRN. Those who were food insecure and/or who practiced CRN were more likely to be African American, low-income, younger, less educated, and to report poorer self-reported health status. Food insecure participants were 2.9 (95% CI 2.2, 4.0) times more likely to practice CRN behaviors than their counterparts after controlling for potential confounders. Improving food security is important inorder to promote adherence to recommended prescription regimens.
Bengle
Rebecca
R
Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, 280 Dawson Hall, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Sinnett
Stephanie
S
Johnson
Tommy
T
Johnson
Mary Ann
MA
Brown
Arvine
A
Lee
Jung Sun
JS
D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016527:Drug Costs; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply / Q000592:standards*; D005845:Georgia; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D011203:Poverty / Q000208:ethnology; D012737:Sex Factors; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data