ABSTRACT
Objective:
to determine the prevalence of adherence to medication therapy in elderly outpatients; to verify whether there is an association between medication therapy adherence and demographic and socioeconomic factors, health conditions.
Method:
a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study, performed in outpatient clinics of a university hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Three data collection instruments were answered by a convenience sample of 107 elders. A descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted.
Results:
the prevalence of adherence was 86.9%. A statistically significant association was identified between the adherence variable and receiving medical guidelines on how to take medications, and having adverse reactions. Conclusion: Nurses must know the prevalence of medication adherence and related factors in order to plan interventions that promote therapeutic success.
Conclusion:
Nurses must know the prevalence of medication adherence and related factors in order to plan interventions that promote therapeutic success.
Key words:
Elderly; Medication Adherence; Prevalence; Ambulatory Care; Nursing