Interventional study on adherence to pharmacotherapy and drug pattern in elderly patients at civil hospital of Badin, Pakistan

Abstract EN

Background: To assess the contributing factors to adherence of pharmacotherapy and perception of elderly patients.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of Civil Hospital Badin, Pakistan from January to June 2019.

A total of 300 samples were selected to analyze the results.

A self-designed proforma (prescribing indicator form) was used for collecting data including patient demographics, diagnosis, and the current medications prescribed for each patient.

Results: Of the 300 selected participants, 221(73.7%) were male, while 79 (26.3%) were female.

Majority of the subjects in the age group of 60–69 (52%) and 70–79 years (27%) followed by those aged >79 (21%).

Antibiotics were prescribed to 17.2% and vitamins to 14.7%.

Patients’ responses related to nonadherence factor were 92.7% for the cost, 32.7% for the long treatment duration, and 24% for the lack of knowledge.

Out of the total patients, 28% were forgetful, 26.7% complained about complex therapy, 26.3% blamed financial problems, 19.7% patients had side effects, and 14.3% were negligent in taking the medication.

Conclusion: Patient conformity can be enhanced by dropping polypharmacy and simplifying complex management, use of extended formulations, rate of medications, and by creating awareness among elderly patients