Medication adherence in elderly people integrated in the long-term care domiciliary teams

Theoretical framework: An increased number of diseases and comorbidities leads to polymedication, which may interfere with Medication Adherence (MA) among the elderly. Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the elderly supported by the Integrated Long-Term Care Teams; characterise the level of MA of the population under study; and identify the variables influencing non-adherence. Methodology: A descriptive/exploratory correlational study, using a quantitative method, was conducted in a sample of 55 elderly people. Results: Sample with 78±7.9 years old, mainly female (69.1%). Using the measurement scale of adherence to treatment, it was found that 72.7% of elderly people did not adhere to the medication treatment and that 83.6% take three or more medicines. Using the Katz index, it was found that 25.5% of seniors were highly dependent. Using the Mini-Mental State Examination, 47.3% patients revealed moderate dementia. Using the Geriatric Depression Scale, 45.5% revealed moderate depression. A statistically significant association was only found between MA and mental status. Individuals with moderate dementia had a lower level of adherence. Conclusion: The low level of MA is influenced by cognitive factors that should be considered while planning interventions to promote the MA among the elderly.