Show simple item record

AuthorChristopher, Christina Malini
AuthorBlebil, Ali Qais
AuthorBhuvan, K.C
AuthorAlex, Deepa
AuthorMohamed Ibrahim, Mohamed Izham
AuthorIsmail, Norhasimah
AuthorCheong Wing Loong, Mark
Available date2023-11-19T05:45:32Z
Publication Date2023
Publication NameResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy
ResourceScopus
ISSN15517411
URIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.08.001
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/49410
AbstractBackground: As the largest demographic group utilizing primary healthcare facilities, older adults often face the challenge of managing multiple chronic illnesses, leading to numerous medications. Objective: The present study aims to assess medication use problems among older adults and explore the factors affecting them in primary healthcare settings. Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted to establish a baseline understanding of the perspectives and challenges faced by older adults, with regards to medication use. Translated Medication Use Questionnaire (MedUseQ), a patient-centered tool, was distributed to older adults above 60 in primary healthcare settings to assess their frequency of problems related to medication use. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore this topic in depth. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted with quantitative data. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted. Quantitative and qualitative findings data were triangulated. Results: The study involved 393 participants. The most common problems with regards to medication use were polypharmacy (55.4%), administration difficulties (48.4%), limited awareness about adverse drug events (47.3%), issues with adherence (46.5%), and accessibility to primary healthcare (42.7%). Approximately 55% were satisfied with the older adult-centered medication use services by pharmacist and doctors. The qualitative findings showed that major factors affecting medication use were forgetfulness, language barriers, lack of awareness, transportation problems, long waiting times, and multiple visits to healthcare facilities. Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that a significant proportion, around 50%, of the older adult population face challenges with medication use in Penang. These difficulties mainly stem from medication administration, adherence, accessibility, polypharmacy, and inadequate medication knowledge. The qualitative analysis further highlighted several factors that contribute to such medication-related problems. Given the rapidly aging Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) population, it is essential to devise effective solutions and strategies to tackle medication use-related issues among older adults.
SponsorWe would like to thank all the participants who have contributed to this study.
Languageen
PublisherElsevier
SubjectChallenges
Community pharmacies
Health clinics
Issues
Services
TitleMedication use problems and factors affecting older adults in primary healthcare
TypeArticle
Pagination1520-1530
Issue Number12
Volume Number19
dc.accessType Open Access


Files in this item

Thumbnail

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record