Oral Medication Use Behaviors among Elderly patients with chronic diseases in Tambom Hua Ngom, Phan District, Chiang Rai province

Abstract

                Nowadays, Thailand is becoming an aged society. Most elders have at least one chronic disease. Polypharmacy is also common and can lead to inappropriate medication use behaviors. This research aimed to study medication adherence and medication use behavior among elderly patients with at least 2 chronic diseases (Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia or Chronic heart disease) who received medication from Hua Ngom Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Phan District, Chiang Rai during 1 January - 1 December 2017. Data collection was an interview and questionnaire consisting of questions about demographic factors, medication use behavior and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale 8-item question in Thai version.

               The results of the samples report appropriate medication use behavior 82.20 percent. Also, the Morisky medication adherence level was at high adherence for 79.03 percent. However, the inappropriate medication use behavior of checking the expiration date was at an inappropriate level of 90.30 percent. None of demographic factors were related statistically significant with Morisky medication adherence level.

               This result strongly suggest emphasizing health education about medication expired date, giving strongly instruction about checking date before using drug and also advice appropriate medication use and behavior to patient with trustworthy behavior.

Keywords : Elderly patients, Chronic diseases, Medication used behavior, Medication adherence