Evaluation of medication adherence in individuals with geriatric syndromes

Geriatric syndromes are common among patients over 65 years of age. Moreover, chronic diseases that require multiple medications are more prevalent in elderly patients. Non-adherence can lead to poor outcomes that may complicate disease control and impose additional burdens on the healthcare system. Therefore, it is crucial to assess medication adherence in elderly patients. Our study included 200 individuals (≥ 65 years) who visited the geriatric outpatient clinic. The mean age of the participants was 70.62±4.72 years, and 60% were female. The median score of the patients on the medication compliance reporting scale (MARS) was 24. MARS was significantly lower in women and in patients with a diagnosis of depression (p=0.018 and p<0.001 respectively). There was a negative correlation between IUBQ and GDS, FRAIL, and I-QOL (p<0.001, p=0.024, p=0.004 respectively), whereas there was a positive correlation with EQ-5D and SMMI (p<0.001, p=0.011, respectively). We conducted a linear regression analysis including age, SMMI, number of diseases, number of medications, MNA, GDS, MMSE total score, I-QOL, FRAIL score, EQ-5D index score, Tinetti total score, gait speed, timed up and go test duration, and hand grip strength. The results showed that SMMI, MNA, and GDS variables were independent predictors of MARS score (p = 0. 042, p = 0.003, p = 0.001,). Muscle mass, malnutrition, and depression are risk factors for non-adherence. Therefore, it is essential to assess medication adherence in every elderly person with geriatric syndromes.