MEDICATION MISUSE AMONG THE ELDERLY: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INCORRECT USAGE.
Contributors: Temple University.
Published: 1991
Number of pages: 125
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Pharmacy.; Gerontology.
Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of cost of medication, complexity of medication regimen, patient's knowledge of the purpose of the drug, perceived benefit of the drug by the patient and patient-provider relationship with medication misuse in the elderly population.

Survey research was conducted through face to face interviews of 196 subjects aged 65 and over utilizing a questionnaire developed to determine the cause of misuse of prescribed medications.

Chi-square analysis showed statistically significant relationship with medication misuse and complexity of the medication regimen, perceived benefit, and satisfaction with the provider. Cost of the medication and knowledge about the purpose of the drug were statistically nonsignificant. Income was the only statistically significant demographic variable. When controlling for demographic variables, the young elderly, both males and females, Whites, and those with low income had a statistically significant association between complexity and misuse. Young elderly, females, Whites, and low income had a statistically significant association with perceived benefit and misuse. Old elderly, males, and Whites had a statistically significant association with satisfaction with the provider and medication misuse.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 52-07, Section: B, page: 3522.

Thesis (PH.D.)--TEMPLE UNIVERSITY, 1991.

School code: 0225.