Ethnic differences in predictors of HPV vaccination: comparisons of predictors for Latina and non-Latina White women.

The purpose of this study was to examine how social and behavioral factors such as age of first intercourse, mother-daughter communication, and perceived norms are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination behaviors, and whether ethnicity moderates those associations (non-Latina White versus Latina participants). From June through December 2009, we surveyed a community sample of 309 White and Latina women, ages 15 to 30. We recruited participants from local health care clinics in Des Moines, Iowa.

Methodology of an ongoing, randomized, controlled trial to improve drug use for elderly patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: Medications can improve the functioning and health-related quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and reduce morbidity, mortality, and costs of treatment. However, patients may not adhere to therapy. Patients with complex medication regimens and low health literacy are at risk for nonadherence.

Patient-centered instructions for medications prescribed for the treatment of heart failure.

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with reduced functional capacity and quality of life, particularly among older adults. Complex medication regimens for CHF challenge older patients' ability to adhere to them, in part because of age-related cognitive decline and poor communication about medications.

Objective: This article describes patient-centered instructions for taking CHF medications that were developed as part of a multifaceted pharmacy-based intervention to improve medication adherence and health-related outcomes among older adults with CHF.

A conceptual framework to study medication adherence in older adults.

Background: Adults aged > or =50 years often have multiple chronic diseases requiring multiple medications. However, even drugs with well-documented benefits are often not taken as prescribed, for a variety of reasons.

Objective: The objective of this article was to provide background information about medication adherence and its measurement, the development of the conceptual model for use in adherence research, and supportive intervention strategies such as pharmaceutical care by pharmacists to improve chronic medication use in older adults.