Gülbahar Korkmaz Aslan
Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Turkey
Title: Medication behaviors of the elderly and its association with their health literacy levels
Biography
Biography: Gülbahar Korkmaz Aslan
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the association between medication behaviors of older individuals and their health literacy levels.
Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive and cross-sectional. The universe of the study was composed of a total of 1654 individiuals of 65 years and older who were registered to Sifabul Family Health Center and Albayrak Family Health Center which were found in Merkezefendi District of Denizli City. Sample size was determined by sampling method for known populations. The sample of the study included 280 individuals who admitted to family health centers due to any reason. Data of the study were collected between September 2016 and April 2017. Data were collected by using Identification Form for Socio-demographic Characteristics and Health State of the Elderly, Identification Form for Knowledge and Behaviors of Elderly towards Medication Use and Adult Health Literacy Scale. Numbers, percentages and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.
Results: When medication behaviors of older individuals were evaluated, it was determined that the most common medication error was forgetting to take medications (46.4%). It was followed by behaving carelessly about taking the medications on time (43.2%), discontinuing medication without asking doctor when felt bad (23.2%) and discontinuing medication without asking doctor when felt good (20.0%). At the end of logistic regression analysis performed, health literacy levels were found to be associated with the behaviors of forgetting to take the medications and discontinuing medication without asking doctor when felt good.
Key Words: Health Literacy, Medication Use, Older Adults