J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2022 Aug;24(3):200-207. 10.7586/jkbns.2022.24.3.200.

Impact of Depression and Social Support on Medication Adherence in Older Adults with Multimorbidity

• Kim JE
• Park JH
• You MA
• Seo EJ

• KMID: 2532805
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.2022.24.3.200

Abstract

Purpose
Medication adherence in older adults with multimorbidity is critical for self-care. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify the factors that influence medication adherence in older adults with multimorbidity.
Methods
The patients were 116 adults 65 or older with three or more chronic diseases. The data were collected from December 2020 to April 2022 in outpatient clinics at a hospital in Daejeon.
Results
The mean scores of depression, social support, and medication adherence were 16.18 ± 6.74 (of 30), 41.06 ± 6.56 (of 60), and 4.69 ± 1.85 (of 8) points, respectively. Patients with low adherence comprised the most with 75 patients (64.7%). Influencing factors on medication adherence were depression (β = -.35, p = .007) and family support among social support (β = .29, p = .006).
Conclusion
Among older adults with multimorbidity, lower depression as well as higher family support, results in higher medication adherence. It is necessary to develop a practical strategy toward improving medication adherence, by sensitively managing the degree of depression, as well as strengthening family support.

Keyword

Multimorbidity; Depression; Social support; Medication adherence; Aged