Examining medication adherence in older women with coronary heart disease.
The purposes of this study were to examine medication adherence in older women with coronary heart disease and to identify barriers and facilitators of medication adherence.


METHODS
The study used a semistructured interview guide and established measures to examine medication taking 3 months after hospital discharge.


RESULTS
Thirty-two women completed the study: 65.6% were adherent to medications, but others were less adherent and self-modified their therapy. Over half (52.1%) suffered side effects, 71.9% had experienced psychological barriers, and all had economic barriers. Facilitators included a pillbox system (85%) and discharge medication counseling (90%).


CONCLUSIONS
Tailored interventions to improve adherence in older women are needed.
West
Donna
D
School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA. dswest@olemiss.edu
Lefler
Leanne
L
Franks
Amy
A
D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016387:Women's Health; D016903:Drug Monitoring