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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background Adherence to therapies is the corner stone of treatment success. Medication nonadherence in geriatric patients leads to substantial worsening of disease, increased healthcare costs, and death. Knowledge about the drug's indication, side effects, and interactions with other drugs may constitute a barrier to drug adherence. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the effect of medication knowledge as a determinant factor of medication adherence in elderly patients living in their own houses. Participants and methods This is a cross-sectional study of a random sample of 438 geriatric patients aged 70–85 years, living in their own homes in Serse Elian City, Menoufia Governorate. Patients' information was collected from the prescriptions in the file of the patient and home visits were carried out to examine their daily drug consumption. Results Male geriatric patients were found to be more adherent to their medications than female patients (63.9 vs. 36.1%). Correct knowledge regarding the name of the drug, it's timing, the correct dose, and indications constituted a statistically significant difference among adherent and nonadherent groups, whereas awareness about side effects of the drug did not have a significant effect on medication adherence. Conclusion Knowledge about medication in general constituted a significant determinant of medication adherence in elderly patients.

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