article · PubMed
Introduction: Older adults constitute a rapidly growing population whose healthcare needs are unique, with a higher prevalence of physical and psychiatric morbidities. A knowledge gap exists regarding the association of chronic medical conditions with Depression and how they affect medication adherence. This may be linked to their chronic nature and impacts on the mood of older adults. This study assessed Depression among older adults with Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, and Arthritis; and compared its relationship with medication adherence in the speciality clinics of UMTH, Maiduguri. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional analytic study was employed to recruit 327 older adults aged≥60years for six months. They were proportionally distributed into groups of Hypertension only (140), Diabetes only (85), Arthritis only (43), hypertension and diabetes (59). The socio- clinical proforma, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30), and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) were administered. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. The mean adherence scores for those with depression were compared with the mean scores of those without depression using a t-test. Results: The study found that the mean medication adherence score was lower in those with depression than those without depression. The difference is significant among the group with arthritis only (t = 1.943 and p-value = 0.049) where those with depression had an adherence score (2.299 ± 0.500) while those without depression scored (3.177 ± 1.267); and also, among the group with HTN + DM (t = 2.769, p-value = 0.006) where those with depression had an adherence score (2.000 ± 0.001) while those without depression scored (4.299 ±2.026). Conclusion: Depression is associated with low medication adherence in older adults with chronic medical conditions. This underscores the need for consultation-liaison practice and proactivity in assessing for depression in older adults with chronic conditions to improve their adherence.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
