Abstract

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence to medication is a public health problem that affects every age group, but geriatric patients are particularly at risk because they face a high likelihood of disease, cognitive decline, and polypharmacy.

AIM: In this study, we evaluated the knowledge of prescribed medication and adherence to medication regimens among geriatric cardiac patients in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: We interviewed 750 geriatric patients at the cardiac center of King Fahad Medical City. We assessed their knowledge about their medications using the Medication Knowledge Assessment questionnaire and a validated Arabic version of The Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS‐5). We analyzed the relationship between their knowledge of medication and their adherence to it. We assessed how well these patients understood the information given to them by their healthcare providers.

RESULTS: The estimated mean rate of adherence to long-term medication regimens was 56%. There was a positive relationship between knowledge and adherence.

CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients in Saudi Arabia have low overall adherence to medication regimens, and patients with higher knowledge levels are more adherent. Geriatric patients should receive detailed counseling from their care providers to ensure better adherence.

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