Relationship Between Attitudes about Medication Adherence and Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Elderly Individuals with Chronic Diseases.

Background: The prevalence of chronic diseases increases in old age, and therefore, elderly individuals need to use a large number of medications.

Primary Study Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between attitudes of elderly individuals with chronic disease toward medication adherence and complementary and alternative medicines.

Methods/design: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2018. The participants were 193 elderly individuals who were selected using the sampling method with a known target population. The study data were collected using Descriptive Characteristics Information Form, HCAMQ, and ARMS.

Setting: The study was conducted in Family Health Centres in a city located in the eastern part of Turkey.

Participants: The study involved elderly subjects who had been diagnosed with a chronic disease for at least 6 months that required continuous medication, and who could communicate sufficiently.

Results: The mean ARMS score of elderly individuals was found to be 14.19 ± 3.01, showing moderate adherence to medications. The mean HCAMQ score of individuals was 25.93 ± 6.57, showing positive attitudes of individuals toward CAM. Further, a positive and statistically significant correlation was found between the total scores of ARMS and HCAMQ (P < .01).

Conclusion: It can be suggested that elderly individuals endeavor to maintain medical therapies for their diseases, and they also have positive attitudes toward complementary and alternative treatments. These positive behaviors of the elderly should be supported. Also elderly individuals should be informed about how to take "complementary and alternative treatments" consciously, in a controlled and correct manner.