Frail elderly patients in primary care-their medication knowledge and beliefs about prescribed medicines.

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Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe elderly patients' knowledge about and attitudes towards their medicines in Swedish primary care. METHODS: Thirty-four patients aged 65 years and above with multiple illnesses were included. Medication knowledge was assessed with a questionnaire measuring knowledge about indication and possible adverse effects for each medicine. Attitudes were investigated with the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire. RESULTS: The indication of at least 75% of their medicines was known to 71% of the patients. Patients with polypharmacy and multi-dose drug distribution respectively had significantly less knowledge. Eighty-four percent had no knowledge about possible adverse effects. For 93% of the patients, the benefits of the medication outweighed the costs (concerns). No correlation was found between attitudes and knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge about indication was higher than previously seen, but the knowledge about possible adverse effects was poor. The patients had strong beliefs in the benefits of their medication.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)151-155
JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Volume65
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Bibliographical note

The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.
The record was previously connected to the following departments: Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology (013250300), Caring Sciences (Closed 2012) (016514020)

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology

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